8 years old, distilled 7th December 2012, 59.3% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 261 bottles, dram price A

The nose has barley sugar water, red apples and hints of waxed barbour jackets. The mouthfeel is decent with no cling. The body has barley sugar water, lemon, red apples, wax jackets and a touch of old oak furniture. The finish has barley sugar water, lemon and wax jackets with a growing touch of that oak furniture.

Water brings out thick whorling that dissipates incredibly quickly, leaving no trace - a thirsty spirit! The nose gains more barley and hints of lemon. The body gains more barley and oak, with the wax jackets taking a back seat. The finish gains a lot more lemon, and the wax jackets return.

A pleasing dram that’s as tasty as it is instructive. Very spirit led, it may not be to the palate of those who grew up on wood-led drams, but is a decent introduction to the vista.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5
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.