10 years old, distilled 5th December 2011, 61.0% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 171 bottles

The nose has green apples, pears, coriander and hints of vanilla. The body has vanilla - Battenberg Cake - and more green apple followed by a touch of ginger. The finish has pears and vanilla with a little ginger.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that doesn’t settle. The nose gains pine cones and tree bark, and loses the green apples. The body gains more vanilla and foamy bananas, and loses the green apple. The finish gains a tough more ginger and some pine cones.

A curious dram with lots of wood - restrained with sweetness. A very pleasant experience.

One for summer evenings.

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.