8 years old, distilled 3rd May 2013, 61.8% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 208 bottles, dram price A

The nose has barbecued fish, hickory smoke, and hints of blackcurrant. The mouthfeel is thing with no cling. The body has hickory smoke, barbecued fish, blackcurrant, toasted oak, and hints of damson. The finish has toasted oak, hickory smoke, and blackcurrant.

Water brings out thick, rapidly spreading whorling that settles quickly without mottling. The nose gains more blackcurrant and damson alongside barbecue smoke. The body gains more barbecue smoke and toasted oak. The finish gains more smoke and toasted oak, and hints of cinnamon.

A solid smokey dram, fit for any occasion.

One for winter afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5
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.