20 years old, distilled 28th January 1998, 55.4% abv, Second Fill Charred Red Wine Barrique, 261 bottles, dram price D

The nose has cinnamon, sultanas and a hint of lemon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has cinnamon, paprika, lemon, and dried apple. The finish has cinnamon and paprika with a little lemon.

Water brings out tight, thin compact whorling that doesn't quite mottle before dissipating. The nose gains hessian and more lemon, and loses the sultanas. The body gains a nuttiness and some wood spices, as well as a little orange. The dried apple is gone. The finish gains wood spice.

A little too spicy and woody with water, this is still a fascinating dram with a lot going on. The finish definitely worked.

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.