31 years old, distilled 2nd November 1987, 55.6% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 78 bottles, dram price F

The nose has raisins and caramel, and an unexpected hint of old leather tobacco pouches. The mouthfeel is decent with a little cling. The body has honey, caramel, toffee, vanilla, sandalwood and cloves. The finish has toffee, cloves and honey.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that lingers for some time without ever mottling. The nose gains perfumed wood and loses the raisins. The body gains oranges and red apples, and loses the cloves. The finish gains oranges and loses nothing. As it dries, some black pepper appears.

This did not taste like most grain whiskies. Full of unusual flavours, it’s an expectation defying tightrope walk.

One for blind tastings with friends, preferably on summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like more than one bottle.

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.