26 years old, distilled 2nd November 1992, 54.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Port Barrique, 167 bottles, dram price G

The nose has hazelnut, maple syrup, toffee and hints of cherries. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has maple syrup, walnuts, toffee, glacé cherries and hints of orange marmalade. The finish has hazelnut, walnuts and glacé cherries.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into very brief mottling. The nose gains cherries, more maple syrup and some hints of oranges. The body gains more cherry, more maple syrup and some fruits of the forest. The finish has fruits of the forest and more cherry.

A superb marriage of the cask and the spirit. Balanced throughout, with superb flavours.

One for summer nights, under a starry sky.

Technical score: 5/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

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.