19 years old, distilled 11th November 1998, 58.4% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 240 bottles, dram price G

The nose has lemon, seaweed, brine and a crisp dry smoke. The mouthfeel is very thin with no cling. The body has brine, soft smoke, sea breezes and hints of seafood barbeques. The finish is light smoke and sea breezes.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that dissipates quickly. The nose gains honey, lime, hints of lemon and honeysuckle. A sudden, unexpected and very pleasant change! The body gains the honey and lemon, along with a little vanilla and a hint of germoline. The smoke is still present, continuing into the finish - which has gained a little vanilla sweetness.

At first I thought this dram was a weak, uninteresting non-event. Water proved otherwise. This is one for the whisky geeks, who are willing to take a pipette and their chances to try and find their own perfect slice of heaven. Good luck!

4.5/5