18 years old, distilled 31st July 2004, 59.0% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 204 bottles, dram price D

The nose has treacle, pineapple and hints of strawberry juice. The mouthfeel is thick with a little cling. The body has treacle, pineapple, mango, strawberries, and a little funkiness. The finish has treacle, pineapple and hints of marzipan.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains more strawberry and some candied lemon and candied orange. The body gains candied oranges and lemons and some marzipan, and loses a little of the treacle. The finish gains candied lemon and marzipan.

A wonderfully fruit rum. Quite unexpected, but very welcome!

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4.5/5
Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

This spirit was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.