25 years old, distilled 26th January 1990, 59.4% abv, second fill ex-sauternes hogshead, 162 bottles

The nose has a curious white grape note, followed by plums, honey and oak. The mouthfeel is thin, with plenty of cling. The body has oak tannins, like stripped old furniture, then plums and grapes with a hint of tobacco. The finish is white grapes and wood shavings.

Water brings out thick, short-lived whorling that doesn't linger. The nose now has less grape, more plum and a little hint of sweet tobacco. The body has less oak, more honey and a little cinnamon. The finish has lost the white grapes, but gained honey and cinnamon.

A fine dram for a summer's evening - it takes water well, and the unusual cask finish has made it more of a talking point.

3.5/5