12 years old, distilled 23rd January 2002, 56.1% abv, refill ex-bourbon barrel, 243 bottles

The nose has gentle notes of lavender and violets, like a scented talcum powder. The mouthfeel is slight and sharp with a little cling but not much expansion. The body has cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla pods and a little hint of old paper. The finish is sweet and short - cardamom and a touch of banana chews.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into longer lasting mottling. The nose has gained rose water and a little banana. The body has a similar change - Turkish Delight and raspberry ripple ice cream, and a little more cardamom. Towards the end there is a little heat, but not unpleasantly so. The finish gains some florality, but is otherwise unchanged.

A very pleasant dram for a lunchtime tipple in the garden.

4/5