11 years old, distilled 27th January 2010, 60.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 216 bottles, dram price B

The nose has green, sap-filled spring forests, gorse bushes, fresh growth in a greenhouse, hints of digestive biscuits and lime chew sweets. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lime, lemon, digestive biscuits, and hints of menthol mouthwash. The finish has lemon, fresh growth branches and mouthwash.

Water brings out thick whorling that spreads rapidly and lingers for a while as mottling. The nose gains “meadow fresh” fabric conditioner, and loses some of the spring forests. The body gains the fabric conditioner and some gingerbread, and loses the lime. The finish gains fabric conditioner and some ginger (including some heat), and loses nothing.

A pleasant dram that has plenty to offer, with plenty of sweetness and some grounding wood notes.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5
Personal preference: I’d like a 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.