16 years old, distilled 24th July 2006, 57.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 270 bottles, dram price E

The nose is somewhat closed and has toffee, dates, and hints of tobacco pouches. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has figs, dates, toffee, cinnamon and hints of thick cut marmalade. The finish has toffee, dates, cinnamon and hints of nutmeg.

Water brings out thick whorling that dissipates very quickly without mottling. The nose gains more toffee and some caramel. The body gains a touch more marmalade and some tobacco pouches. The finish gains more tobacco notes and some nutmeg.

A solid dram that offers more spice and wood than fruit, but does it well.

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 4/5
Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

This spirit was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.