10 years old, distilled 9th April 2008, 62.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 221 bottles, dram price A

The nose has butterscotch, floral bouquets and hints of rough leather. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has flower shops, rough leather, butterscotch and sugar dusting. The finish has rough leather and floral bouquets.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains red apples and loses some of the butterscotch. The body gains lemon and red apples, and loses the sugar dusting. The finish gains lemon and loses the floral notes a little. A little cinnamon builds on repeated tasting, but otherwise not too spicy.

A very interesting combination, held together very well.

One for summer mornings.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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.