8 years old, distilled 27th November 2008, 59.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Sherry Butt, 606 bottles, dram price C

The nose has treacle, nutmeg, pear and banana. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has oranges, hazelnut, caramel, and a little pear. The finish is caramel and nutmeg, with a hint of orange fondant.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly but never quite mottles as it lingers. The nose gains orange fondant, more treacle and hazelnut, and loses the pear and banana. The body gains more oranges and loses the pear. The finish gains more orange.

Quite the powerful assortment of flavours, but it never failed to hold together. One for firesides and friends.

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!