13 years old, distilled 30th April 2002, 57.4% abv, refill ex-bourbon barrel, 222 bottles

The nose has wax, crisp smoke from dry wood, and a little watch oil. There's also a little fennel. The mouthfeel is decent - not too thin, not too thick, but also not coating. The body has cinnamon, sea salt, pepper, caramel and a hint of cinder toffee. The finish is cinder toffee and fennel.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorls that settle into fleeting mottling. The nose now has a slightly floral note - gorse? The body has vanilla and more pepper, and is rather watery. The finish is a little more fennel, and has gained vanilla.

After water, this dram is a little too warm for me - the score is sadly going to reflect that.

A good dram for a damp day, until you add water. Which is a mistake. Don't do that.

2.5/5