12 years old, distilled 22nd October 2008, 62.1% abv, Second Fill Heavy Toast Medium Char Hogshead, 155 bottles, dram price D

The nose has distant bonfire smoke, pipe tobacco, and hints of walnut. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has wood fires, walnuts, cinnamon, ginger and hints of bonfire ash. The finish is bonfires and cinnamon.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that dissipates quickly without mottling. The nose gains red apples and hints of plums, and loses the walnut. The body gains red apples, pears, plums and loses some of the cinnamon and ginger. The bonfire smoke and ash remain though. The finish gains plums and the cinnamon is reduced, but still present.

An interesting dram, but too spicy for me. Almost saved with water, which really brought out some interesting fruit notes, yet sadly not quite. Its provenance will mean it will sell anyway though!

One for autumnal afternoons.

Technical score: 3.5/5
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.