12 years old, distilled 21st February 2007, 59.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 171 bottles, dram price B

The nose has plum and damson, and a little patchouli oil. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has plums and menthol, flower shops and hints of patchouli. The finish has plums and menthol.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that expands rapidly but doesn’t quite mottle. The nose gains wood resin and menthol, and loses the damson. The body gains wood resin, more menthol and some hints of ginger. The finish gains ginger.

This dram feels like it’s quite tight - I’d like to give it more time and see if those floral notes expand, but the list it’s on is huge. It shows great potential though.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 3/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.