35 years old, distilled 3rd July 1980, 43.8% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 156 bottles

The nose has soft leather, pears, sultanas, sandalwood and a hint of pineapple. The mouthfeel is thin, with no cling. The body is light, with tropical fruits and dried apricots, then hints of leather. The finish is notable only absence.

Water - added sparingly due to the low abv - brings out big, expensive whorling that lingers for a while as mottling. The nose now loses the sandalwood. The body has more tannin, but loses the tropical fruits. The finish now has leather and sandalwood.

A very light dram for a summer's evening celebration.

3/5