12 years old, distilled 6th March 2006, 57.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 280 bottles, dram price B

The nose has brine, old leather and dry dusty earth. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has toffee, rosemary and thyme, and a hint of bonfire smoke. The finish has rosemary and a little bonfire smoke.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that rapidly expands into brief mottling. The nose gains hints of peach, and loses the old leather. The body gains the same peach hint, and loses the herbal notes in favour of a floral lightness. The finish gains peach, but doesn’t lose the bonfire smoke.

Another one where tasting it in six month’s time would no doubt change the opinion - this light and sweet dram will be great in August in the garden as the sun sets.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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.