11 years old, distilled 3rd October 2007, 60.8% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 222 bottles, dram price C

The nose has brine, pork crackling, barley water and hints of pear and kiwi fruit. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lime, brine, barley water, pear, kiwi fruit, malted vinegar and hints of chilli. The finish has vinegar, lime and kiwi fruit.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains grilled prawns, and loses the pork crackling. The body gains more of the fruit, and some grilled prawns. The finish gains grilled prawns and loses a little of the kiwi fruit. The chilli appears as it dries out.

A pleasant coastal dram, although that chilli note isn’t my favourite.

One for autumnal evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

This whisky was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.