13 years old, distilled 17th January 2005, 58.1% abv, 305 bottles, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, dram price C

The nose has butterscotch, caramel and coconut alongside crisp smoke from a driftwood bonfire. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has dark chocolate, caramel, butterscotch and then a little of the smoke. The finish has caramel and butterscotch and then the crisp bonfire smoke from the nose.

Water brings out tight, thin, compact whorling that dissipates before mottling. The nose gains more coconut and some vanilla ice-cream, and loses the caramel. The body gains poached pears and loses the dark chocolate. The finish is unchanged.

A very fine whisky, well balanced with the smoke and the sweet notes.

One for spring evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

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!