17 years old, distilled 25th September 1998, 57.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 450 bottles

The nose has a nice hit of crisp smoke, followed by a hint of lavender. The mouthfeel is thin, but has some cling. The body has lavender, apple sauce and more lavender. The finish has plenty of smoke, and a little bit of lavender.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates quickly. The nose now loses some of the lavender, and gains toffee and brine. The body retains the lavender but with a much improved balance with the smoke, which is a little reduced. The finish is unchanged.

A stunning dram. One for winter evenings.

4.5/5