7 years old, distilled 7th November 2011, 62.0% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 229 bottles, dram price A

The nose has sunflower seeds, vanilla, lemon and hints of rosewater. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has vanilla, sunflower seeds, lemon, Turkish delight, “meadow fresh” fabric conditioner - a delight! The finish is lemon, farbric conditioner, Turkish delight and a little vanilla.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more lemon and rosewater, and the sunflower seeds are diminished. The body gains more lemon, and some chilli powder - which increases in intensity with each sip, getting quite hot. The finish has lemon and chilli powder.

A lovely fresh dram, with a punch of heat after water.

One for spring mornings.

Technical score: 4/5

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.