20 years old, distilled 26th November 1996, 49.3% abv, First-Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 240 bottles, dram price G

The nose has sea breezes, treacle, black tea, and faint hints of smoked meats. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body is quiet - toffee, honey and hints of balsamic vinegar. The finish is short - sea breezes, balsamic vinegar, and a faint hint of lemon.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains almonds and loses the treacle. The body gains hints of liquorice, but is still very quiet. The finish gains liquorice.

This is an easy drinking dram that you can have as an aperitif.

Technical score: 3.5/5

Personal preference: I'd have another dram.