12 years old, distilled 22nd February 2007, 62.0% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 204 bottles, dram price B

The nose has a herbal note - fennel and coriander, followed by vanilla and hints of pear. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has fennel, thyme, vanilla, cinnamon. The finish has fennel and increasing cinnamon with some vanilla.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains pear and hints of berries, and loses the fennel. The body gains pears and very diluted strawberry juice, and loses the herbal notes. The finish gains pear and loses some of the cinnamon.

An interesting dram - not too brash, but more lively than its age suggests.

One for spring afternoon walks.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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!