17 years old, distilled 5th November 2003, 58.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 245 bottles, dram price E

The nose has coffee grinds, cacao nibs and hints of vanilla. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has espresso coffee, dark chocolate and caramel. The finish has espresso coffee and dark chocolate.

Water brings out thick compact whorling that dissipates quickly without mottling. The nose gains caramel. The body gains cacao nibs, and the coffee is more intense. The finish gains more dark chocolate.

A curious dram dominated by the coffee notes and dark chocolate. Other flavours are in there struggling to be heard, and if I could give it more time then I’m sure that they would flow out eventually.

One for winter evenings, after dinner.

Technical score: 4/5
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.