23 years old, distilled 15th August 1997, 61.0% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 180 bottles, dram price E

The nose has apples and pears with hints of lemon, then a touch of candle wax. The mouthfeel is thin with a little cling. The body has lemon, apples, pears, and hints of pot-pourri (including lavender). The finish has lemon, apples, lavender and a touch of cinnamon.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that doesn’t quite settle into mottling. The nose gains more pear and wax, and a little vanilla ice-cream. The body gains vanilla pods and more wax, with nothing lost. The finish gains more wax, more cinnamon and a more intense apple.

An intense fruity dram with complimentary wax and a little wood spice, all balanced elegantly.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5
Personal preference: I’d like more than one bottle.

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.