11 years old, distilled 16th January 2012, 57.9% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 275 bottles, dram price B

The nose has apricot and brioche buns, with hints of lime. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lime juice, apricots, brioche buns and then new oak furniture. The finish is more bread and a touch of singed wood.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that dissipates without mottling. The nose gains apricot and some lime Starburst. The body gains lime and almonds, and loses some of the oak. The finish gains apricots and lime and loses the brioche bread.

A curious dram which I felt needed water to get the best of it, but definitely worthwhile.

One for midday at summer, as the temperatures soar...

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.