9 years old, distilled 19th May 2009, 57.1% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 235 bottles, dram price A

The nose has vanilla, sponge cake, and hints of flying saucers (cardboard and sherbet!). The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lemon sherbet, green apples, melon, sponge cake and hints of pineapple juice The finish has lemon sherbet and pineapple rings.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates quickly without mottling. The nose gains more sherbet and some pineapple. The body gains melon, kiwi fruit and papaya and loses the green apples and sponge cake. The finish gains kiwi fruit and papaya, and loses the lemon sherbet somewhat.

Always a rather gentle experience, none of these flavours are shouting - but that makes this all the more pleasant.

One for summer afternoons in the shade.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

This whisky was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.