14 years old, distilled 1st October 2002, 56.8% abv, New Oak Hogshead, 294 bottles, dram price D

The nose has apple, grapes, oranges, pears, melon, watermelon, strawberries and more - it reminds me of the last fruit punch I had, which was probably spiked to a similar ABV... now that was a party! The mouthfeel is decent, with a little cling. The body is unusual - polished old oak furniture and fruit punch, soft gooey caramel and hints of dark chocolate towards the finish. The finish itself is more fruit, and with hints of dark chocolate. This dram has a lot going on.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into lingering mottling. The nose gains tobacco leaves and the polished oak furniture note from the unwatered body, and a hint of heavy rye bread. The body gains cherries and sawdust, but all the previous flavours remain in abundance. The finish loses the dark chocolate and gains tobacco leaves in its place.

A big, powerful yet sweet and fruity dram. One for springtime mornings, as a pick-me-up.

4.5/5

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!