15 years old, distilled 29th September 2008, 57.2% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 298 bottles, dram price E

The nose has old leather satchels, sweet tobacco and a hint of stem ginger. The body has tobacco, figs, ginger, polished oak furniture and a hint of leather. The finish has tobacco, ginger and leather.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that dissipates without mottling. The nose gains more tobacco and loses the ginger. The body gains more polished wood and loses some of the leather. The finish gains more tobacco.

Plenty of wood and tobacco make this a cold weather delight.

One for winter evenings.

Technical score: 4/5
Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

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.