19 years old, distilled 16th January 1996, 55.3% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 303 bottles

The nose has shoreline notes - brine, sea breeze, crab. There's also a little black tea and a hint of violet. The mouthfeel is thin with little cling. The body has vanilla, violets, menthol, lemon and grilled seafood. The finish is vanilla, crisp smoke and mint.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that expands rapidly and settles into mottling. The nose now has ozone, driftwood bonfires and hints of herbs. The body has less vanilla, more of the violet and smoke, balanced with the lemon and menthol. The finish is sweet, with vanilla, smoke and menthol.

A decent smokey dram, if a little light. One for introductions to Islay.

3.5/5