10 years old, distilled 10th February 2011, 60.7% abv, Second Fill Ex-Peated Malt Barrel, 147 bottles, dram price B

The nose has a little bonfire smoke, lemon and hints of raspberry juice and strawberry chews. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has grilled seafood, much less smoke and more of the strawberry chews. The finish has a return of the bonfire smoke, strawberry chews and lemon.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains a touch more smoke, and loses the raspberry note. The body gains more strawberry and loses some of the seafood. The finish gains a touch of raspberry juice.

A remarkable dram, which I admit I didn’t expect to work - but the smoke is light and very well integrated into the dram.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5
Personal preference: I’d like a 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.