17 years old, distilled 10th February 2004, 58.0% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 208 bottles, dram price F

The nose has barbecue smoke - a beach barbecue - with grilled fish and charred wood notes filling the air alongside hints of ginger and a herbal note. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has grilled seafood, ginger, garlic, and hints of lemon. The finish has grilled seafood, and hints of tarry ropes.

Water brings out compact whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains more smoke and a little garlic. The body gains more grilled seafood and ginger. The finish gains more ginger.

A light, sweet dram with a curious selection of flavours that just didn’t quite work for me...

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 3.5/5
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.