10 years old, distilled 16th November 2010, 60.0% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 288 bottles, dram price D

The nose has brine, mixed nuts, roast chestnuts, and hints of black pepper. The body has brine, liquorice, barbecue grilled sausages and black pepper. The finish has charred meat and black pepper.

Water brings out thin, rapidly spreading whorling that quickly dissipates without mottling. The nose gains charred meat, violets, and some honey, and loses the mixed nuts. The body gains some TCP notes and cloves, and loses some of the black pepper. The finish gains TCP and more barbecued meat smoke.

A decent peated Islay - the sweetness after water balances the increased smoke very nicely.

One for summer evenings at the beach.

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.