21 years old, distilled 14th February 1997, 57.4% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 145 bottles, dram price E

The nose has spring garden growth - lots of new wood and leaves, but nothing distinct - with hints of herb gardens, gooseberry, peaches and chalk. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has gooseberry, camphor, sandalwood and cloves. The finish is cloves with cinnamon and some hints of herb garden.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more herbal notes and some watch oil, and is a little less arboreal. The body gains peach and more camphor, and loses some of the sandalwood. The finish gains more cloves.

A very interesting, dignified dram with a fascinating selection of well integrated flavours.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I'd have another dram.

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!