17 years old, distilled 1st November 2001, 56.6% abv, Second Fill Ex-Toasted Hogshead, 202 bottles, dram price D

The nose has dried papaya, dried pineapple and dried apricot - with a hint of toffee in the background. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has dried pineapple and apricot, wax jackets, brandy snaps and hints of cinnamon. The finish has dried pineapple, brandy snaps and cinnamon.

Water brings out thick, compact whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains brandy snaps, dried mango and loses the dried apricot. The body gains dried mango, more wax and dark chocolates, and loses the dried apricot. The finish gains more cinnamon.

An intense and fruity experience, and one I’m happy to go back to. I didn’t like the cinnamon in the finish, but will happily endure it for that nose and body...

One for autumn evenings.

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.