11 years old, distilled 18th July 2006, 57.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 288 bottles, dram price C

The nose has an intriguing sweetness - peaches? - and smoked salmon. There's also a distant bonfire and some hints of creosote. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has smoked salmon, duck, grilled peaches and a hint of lime. The finish has bonfire smoke and lime, with a hint of cinnamon. At every step this dram shifts and adds something new!

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains bonfire smoke and lime, and loses the creosote. The body gains more bonfire smoke, and loses the smoked salmon. The finish gains more lime and bonfire smoke.

A great dram for drinking on the equinoxes, as the world shifts from the warmth to the cold. (Or vice-versa.)

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I'd have another dram.

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!