7 years old, distilled 11th February 2011, 57.9% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 291 bottles, dram price A

The nose has lime, peaches, peat smoke and a hint of tar. The mouthfeel is decent but has no cling. The body has lime, tar, soft caramel and peat smoke. The finish has peat smoke with a hint of lime.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more peat smoke and some ash, and loses the peaches. The body gains more tar and some warm rubber, and loses the soft caramel. The peat smoke remains, and continues into the finish where it is joined by ash and some lime.

A lovely combination of flavours, this whisky takes it to the edge and looks over into the abyss, but is never quite "too much".

One for winter days.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I'd like more than one 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!