8 years old, distilled 2nd July 2013, 64.3% abv, Re-charred hogshead, 234 bottles, dram price B

The nose has hints of liniment, orange flavoured chew sweets, cigar boxes and hints of toffee. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has orange strepsils, toffee, cigar boxes and a dry bonfire smoke. The finish has oranges, toffee, cigar boxes and distant bonfires.

Water brings out compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more wood - cigar boxes and toasted oak - and a little more orange. The body gains toasted oak and even hints of nut ganache, and the smoke intensifies. The finish gains more smoke and a hint of monkey nuts.

A remarkable young peated dram that balances a number of flavours very well.

One for autumn evenings.

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.