17 years old, distilled 3rd October 1997, 51.5% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 267 bottles

The nose has smokey bacon, honey, distant autumnal bonfires and a hint of thyme. The mouthfeel is decent, but there's little cling. The body has watch oil, herb gardens, burnt bacon fat, honey, sultanas and toffee. The finish is honey and bonfire smoke.

Water brings out thin, short-lived whorling with no mottling. The nose has gained a hint of lemon. The body has gained vanilla, and lost the watch oil. The finish is sweeter, but still very smokey.

A superb smokey dram for an autumnal evening.

3.5/5