9 years old, distilled 18th July 2012, 61.7% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 219 bottles, dram price B

The nose has baked pears, fruits of the forest, and hints of rough leather. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pears, green apples, then a hit of freshly cut oak. The finish has pear, green apples and oak.

Water brings out thin, rapidly dissipating whorling that doesn’t disappears before mottling. The nose gains cardboard and more fruits of the forest. The body gains cinnamon and hints of chilli flakes. The finish gains cinnamon.

A decent dram that has a surprise at the end - more punch than a pat for me, but no doubt a pleasant experience for many.

One for summer evenings, to start things off.

Technical score: 3.5/5
Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

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.