14 years old, distilled 10th May 2004, 58.6% abv, Second Fill Ex-Pedro Ximinez Hogshead, 200 bottles, dram price D

The nose has oranges, polished old oak furniture, and more leather than a fetish club. Leather jackets, rough leather and old car seats. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has oranges, gooey caramel, polished oak, rough leather and then hints of red apple. The finish has rough leather, cinnamon and hints of old oak and red apples.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains more leather and some dark chocolate, but loses the oranges. The body gains pineapple, lychee, kiwi fruit, green apple and loses the oak and leather notes - but not completely. The finish gains pineapple and green apple, and some dark chocolate with the leather and oak diminished.

A stunningly complex whisky, yet still quite easy drinking. Do you give in to your geek and explore it, or do you just drink it whilst chatting with friends? It will be incredibly rewarding either way...

One for firesides and good company.

Technical score: 5/5

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.