15 years old, distilled 15th September 1997, 56.9% abv, refill ex-sherry butt, 445 bottles

The nose has caramel, fudge, seville oranges, cigar boxes and a little brine. The mouth-feel is thin but lingering. The body has an ashen note, more cigar boxes and more seville oranges alongside toffee and smokey fudge. The finish is sweet citrus and bonfire ash.

Water brings thin, short lived whorling. The nose now has blackcurrant and bubblegum over notes of ash and tobacco. The body has more of the sweetness, with hints of lime joining the oranges. The finish is much the same as it was unwatered.

A very pleasant dram for a fireside evening.

4/5