16 years old, distilled 20th April 2000, 54.6% abv, Second-Fill Ex-Oloroso Butt, 192 bottles

The nose has vinegar, nougat, salted caramels and a hint of sandalwood. The mouthfeel is smooth with no cling. The body has the titular caramelised onions, toffee, raisins and oak shavings towards the finish. The finish itself is toffee and raisins.

Water brings out thin whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose now has more vinegar and sandalwood, and adds oak shavings. The body gains soaked raisins and sandalwood, and loses the oak shavings somewhat. The finish is enhanced by a trace of sandalwood.

Superb. Drink it alongside a meat dish. Or claim you're vegetarian, and just drink it.

4/5