14 years old, distilled 14th April 2000, 60.4% abv, refill ex-sherry butt, 494 bottles

The nose has less smoke than I expected - a round, gentle blend of sherry and old furniture with a little smoke in the background. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has an initial sweet hit - vanilla and cinnamon, then orange sorbet and finally a big hit of crisp bonfire smoke. The finish continues that smoke note, which is dominant and lasting.

Water brings out thick, spreading whorling that settles into lasting mottling. The nose now has a little more vanilla sweetness, less of the old furniture. The body has less of the orange sorbet and more vanilla. The finish is just as smokey as before, with a little cinnamon as a top note.

A fine Islay whisky for an evening with friends.

3.5/5