11 years old, distilled 6th March 2006, 58.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 180 bottles, dram price C

The nose has a curious combination of violets, earth and a hint of burnt wood. The mouthfeel is thin with a little prickle and no cling. The body has lemon, violets, maple smoked bacon and sugar glazed doughnuts. Remarkable! The finish is crisp - smoked bacon and violets.

Water brings out compact, short-lived whorling that dissipates briefly. The nose gains more of the smoke, but loses none of the violets. It also gains that maple smoked bacon note from the unwatered body. The body gains golden syrup, but loses none of the other notes. The finish gains a little lemon zest.

A sublime dram that showcases what this distillery can do when heavily peated. Superb. One for any time, as it balances the sweetness and smoke perfectly!

4.5/5