12 years old, distilled 1st June 2006, 56.8% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, dram price B

The nose has thyme, then pretzels and finally a honey glaze. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has honey, pears, lychee, poppadoms and rice krispies. The finish has pears, lychee and rice krispies.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains pear and lychee, and loses the thyme. The body gains more pear and loses a little of the honey. The finish gains more pear.

A nice sweet dram that gets sweeter with water. Not complex, but balanced and pleasant. Session dram territory, in the best possible way.

One for hot summer days, in the shade.

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.