9 years old, distilled 6th December 2007, 61.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 226 bottles, dram price A

The nose has pears, sponge cake, lemon, white grapes, and hints of fern. The mouthfeel is decent but has no cling. The body has pears, vanilla, gentle Chinese spices and a hint of cinnamon. The finish is pears with cinnamon and custard.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that rapidly expands into brief mottling. The nose gains red apples and a hint of candle wax. The body gains almonds and ginger, and loses the gentleness in its spices. The finish loses the custard note.

A fine dram that I prefer without water - one to have with ice-cream.

3.5/5