12 years old, distilled 1st November 2001, 57.4% abv, first fill ex-bourbon barrel, 229 bottles

Banana toffee and pine needles on the nose, with a hints of mint and menthol. The mouth-feel is thing but coating which lingers pleasantly. The body has dried bananas and a slight menthol, hints of the mint centre of After Eights and a light woody note - possibly arabic spices? The finish is clean and short, with toffee that dissipates quickly, leaving hints of arabic spices to linger softly for a while.

Water brings nicely expanding whorling that lingers nicely, mottling the bottom of the glass very pleasingly. The nose isn't much changed - a slight tip towards the pine and mint, a little less menthol. The body now has light tea notes, and a little cinnamon towards the end. The finish is unchanged.

An interesting dram that's very light, probably best for the hottest day of the year whilst watching others exert themselves. Otherwise, drink it with whisky fans - it's too light to be of interest to others.

3.5/5