8 years old, distilled 29th September 2009, 59.0% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 148 bottles, dram price A

The nose has plum, red apple, apricot, and hints of toffee. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has plum, apricot, pear and some toffee. The finish has plum, apricot and toffee.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains hints of oak furniture and cinnamon. The body gains a little cinnamon. The finish gains cinnamon that builds as it dries on the tongue.

An intriguing dram which just had too much cinnamon for me after watering. But it was superb before water, so I'll just not add water next time!

One for autumnal afternoons.

Technical score: 3/5

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!