12 years old, distilled 31st August 2006, 57.7% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 302 bottles, dram price B

The nose has vanilla, green apples, pears, coconuts and hints of lavender and cloves. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has vanilla, green apples and lavender. The finish has vanilla, cloves and coconuts.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates quickly. The nose gains lemon and more lavender. The body gains lemon, orange peel and honey. The finish gains honey and orange peel, with the cloves becoming more powerful.

A little too much clove for my liking, but a nice broad selection of flavours that are mostly held in check.

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.