20 years old, distilled 27th May 1998, 59.2% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 253 bottles, dram price E

The nose has distant beach bonfires, red apples and hints of peach. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has an ash-like note, stronger bonfire smoke and more of the red apples. The finish has red apples, hints of peach and apricot, and plenty of wood ash and smoke from a damp bonfire.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more smoke and red apples, and loses the hint of peach. The body gains more red apple and some toffee, but the ash is diminished. The finish has tamed the ash and gained a little more red apple.

A lovely soft, subtle peated dram that balances fruit, ash and smoke well.

One for spring evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

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.