19 years old, distilled 27th March 1996, 58.1% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 274 bottles

The nose has brine, hints of herbs and a little watch oil. The mouthfeel is thick, with a little cling. The body has caramel, watch oil, fennel and a hint of lavender. The finish is lavender and soft distant smoke.

Water brings out thick, expanding whorling that lingers for a while. The nose now has a little more fennel and some sage, but has lost the brine in favour of more watch oil and a hint of lavender. The body has gained a little more lavender, and loses some of the caramel. The finish is unchanged.

A superb light Islay, sure to upset fans of the genre as "lacking" and leave the rest of us with a real treat.

4/5