13 years old, distilled 7th December 2000, 58.4% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 284 bottles

The nose has crisp smoke, charred oak and roast pork. The mouth-feel is full but not coating. The body has fennel, thyme, smokey bacon, cigar boxes and vanilla. The finish is sweet, long vanilla and driftwood bonfire smoke.

Water brings tight, thin whorling which lasts pleasingly before it dissipates. The nose now has less meatiness, more bonfire smoke. The body has less herbal notes, and less pork - more vanilla sweetness and a little brine. The finish is unchanged - still superb.

An excellent dram for an autumnal night, on a hill or a shore.

4/5