8 years old, distilled 29th September 2009, 61.2% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 222 bottles, dram price A

The nose has oats, banana bread and orange peel. The mouthfeel is decent with no cling. The body has orange peel, cloves, oak staves and a hint of cinnamon. The finish is oranges and oak staves.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains more oranges and hints of peach. The body gains more orange and more cinnamon, and a little spice heat. The finish is oak staves, oranges and cinnamon.

This whisky is a young firebrand. It reminds me of spring, when a young whisky's thoughts turn to knocking your teeth out. One for hipflasks and long walks.

Technical score: 3/5

Personal preference: I'd have another dram.