12 years old, distilled 27th March 2008, 58.1% abv, second fill ex-bourbon barrel, 194 bottles, dram price B

The nose has rosewater and lavender - simple but with hints of hidden pleasure. The mouthfeel is decent with no cling. The body has fruits of the forest, rosewater, lavender, and hints of shortbread and dark chocolate. The finish has rosewater, lavender, fruits of the forest and dark chocolate.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles without mottling. The nose gains more floral notes - lilac and rose petals - and berry notes. The palate gains more fruits - apricots? - and is simply larger in every direction. The finish gains more floral notes.

A floral fruit bomb that’s hard to resist - water lit the fuse and detonated the flavours, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 5/5
Personal preference: I’d like more than one bottle.

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.