14 years old, distilled 6th November 2002, 58.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Pedro Ximenez Hogshead, 276 bottles, dram price B

The nose has green apples, toffee, vanilla and a hint of freshly opened wine gums. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has oak planks, treacle, sultanas and raisins, and then ginger. The finish is oak planks, ginger and toffee.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains ginger, oranges and more green apples - the wine gums are gone, but the rest remained. The body gains more ginger and some cinnamon, which slightly masks a lot of fruit - apples, oranges, and others. The finish is cinnamon and ginger - more pleasant than the previous oak planks.

Spicy, but not too spicy. Not bad at all!

3.5/5

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!