17 years old, distilled 15th May 2001, 54.7% abv, First Fill Ex-Red Wine Barrique, 248 bottles, dram price D

The nose has honeyed notes, fruits of the forest and a hint of red wine. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has the spicy madeira, alongside red apples, blackberries and honey. The finish has madeira, cinnamon and a hint of fruits of the forest.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains more honey and loses the red wine hint. The body gains more madeira and some red wine notes, and loses the blackberries. The finish gains more madeira and plenty of fruits of the forest, and loses much of the cinnamon.

Too spicy for me before water, but lovely and fruity after it.

One for spring evenings.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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.