10 years old, distilled 26th November 2007, 59.5% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 255 bottles, dram price B

The nose has plenty of vanilla, pralines, and baked plums with hints of coffee grounds. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has vanilla, plums, green chillis, chocolate nibs and then chilli powder as it dries. The finish has chocolate nibs, chilli powder - no burn, but close to it - and vanilla.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more plum and some peach, and loses the coffee grounds. The body gains peaches and loses the chilli powder, as does the finish.

I preferred it after water, as it was almost too spicy with water - but it’s still borderline as it builds its on the palette.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.