11 years old, distilled 18th July 2006, 57.3% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 304 bottles, dram price C

The nose has brine and black pepper, with smoke from a distant shoreline bonfire. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pears, sweet vinegar, olives and hints of caramel. The finish is crisp smoke and black pepper.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more smoke, and herbal hints (basil? rosemary?). The body gains more caramel and loses the olives. The sweet vinegar becomes a little stronger, and the finish has less black pepper and more smoke.

This is a shoreline dram for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 3.5/5

Personal preference: I'd have another dram.