8 years old, distilled 24th May 2007, 60.9% abv, second fill ex-sherry butt, 624 bottles

The nose has smokey bacon crisps, and hints of caramel and oranges. The mouthfeel is thick and full, but curiously has no cling. The body has salted caramels, hickory chip smoke, smoked bacon and hints of citrus. The finish is smoked bacon and hints of oranges.

Water brings out a tight, thick whorling that settles quickly into lingering mottling. The nose is softer, and gains a little cloves and jasmine note. The body has gained cinnamon and creosote, maple syrup, but keeps the smokey bacon and the hickory chip smoke. The finish also gains jasmine.

A superb, big bruiser of a whisky. But after this, where do you go?

4.5/5