11 years old, distilled 29th July 2006, 60.7% abv, Refill Ex-Oloroso Sherry Butt, 600 bottles, dram price B

The nose has warm brown bread, caramel, red apples, hazelnuts and a hint of lime. The mouthfeel is decent with some cling. The body has maple syrup, hazelnuts, cooked plums, and caramel. The finish is maple syrup and caramel with a hint of fruit.

Water brings out thin, rapidly spreading whorling that settles quickly into lingering mottling. The nose gains more hazelnut and caramel, and loses the warm brown bread. There's also now a hint of maple syrup - but the lime is lost. The body gains hazelnut, nutmeg and more caramel - and a hint of lime. The finish gains the lime hint too.

A great dram that balances rich flavours with a little fruit - one autumn evenings as the nights draw in.

4/5

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!