12 years old, distilled 31st May 2002, 60.5% abv, refill ex-sherry butt, 567 bottles

The nose has peanut brittle, almonds, beeswax and rough leather. The mouthfeel is smooth and expanding, followed by a slight spike from the alcohol. The body has coconut, walnut, banana, dried apple and marsala wine. The finish is long with marsala, hazelnut and a touch of dark chocolate.

Water produces big, expanding whorls that are short lived. The nose is now nuttier - walnut, hazelnut nougat and a faint background of orange flavoured dark chocolate. The body has even more nuttiness - walnut, peanut brittle, roast chestnuts and a nice touch of orange towards the finish. The finish is long, with hazelnuts and Terry's chocolate orange.

A nice young sherried dram, for after dinner.

As it sits, more of the citrus notes begin to appear - more oranges.

3.5/5