9 years old, distilled 19th March 2008, 56.4% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 242 bottles, dram price A

The nose has vanilla and gooseberries, with a hint of greengage. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pears, honey and hints of ginger towards the finish. The finish itself has vanilla and ginger, and gets hotter as it dries.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that lingers for a moment as brief mottling. The nose gains more greengage and loses the gooseberry. The body gains more ginger and is hotter. There's also some hints of liquorice. The finish gains liquorice and more ginger.

A spring dram, for warm afternoons after a shower.

Technical score: 3/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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!