9 years old, distilled 24th October 2012, 64.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 171 bottles

The nose has toffee and marzipan, with hints of pine nuts and macadamias. The body has toffee, caramel, macadamias and then rising white pepper, ginger and wasabi. The finish has white pepper, ginger and wasabi.

Water brings out thin, rapidly spreading whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains ginger, wasabi, toasted oak and hints of pepper. The body gains toasted oak, ginger, white pepper, and retains a hint of toffee. The finish has more strong spicy notes.

The initial nose was very tempting, but the spices from the wood took over quickly and I found myself put off. A victim of my low tolerance of spice flavours, I struggle to recommend this one.

One for autumn mornings.

Technical score: 2/5
Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.