29 years old, distilled 19th December 1985, 46.5% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 192 bottles

The nose has polished wood, apricot, sultanas, and a hint of pineapple. The mouthfeel is thin but has a little cling. The body has plenty of fruit at first with sultanas, melons, mangoes, pineapple, and monstera. Then there's a solid foundation of wood - oak furniture and a hint of mahogany. The finish is oak and sultanas.

Water brings out thick, heavy whorling that expands slowly and then lingers momentarily. The nose now has apricot jam and a little flaky pastry. The fruits in the body are quieter, but not gone - there's a suggestion of lemons, and sponge cake. The finish loses the sultanas and gains a light lemon with the oak.

A very good, well balanced whisky which would go well with an evening reading old books.

4.5/5