11 years old, distilled 29th October 2009, 62.9% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 258 bottles, dram price B

The nose has brine, lemon, coal dust and hints of seafood barbecues. The body has tarragon, lemon, tarry ropes, olives and coal dust. The finish has lemon, tarry ropes and hints of coal dust.

Water brings out thick, rapidly spreading whorling that dissipates before settling. The nose gains more coal dust and loses the brine and some of the lemon. The body gains more smoke and loses the olives and tarragon. The finish gains more smoke and loses a little of the lemon.

A lovely peated dram whose coal smoke note distinguishes it from the more regular peatings.

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.