14 years old, distilled 11th October 2000, 59.8% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 239 bottles

The nose has vanilla, lemon, rhubarb, apple, green tea and a hint of strawberry. The mouthfeel is smooth with no cling. The body has vanilla, white pepper, cinnamon, rhubarb, plums, and aniseed. The finish has vanilla and white pepper.

Water brings out tight, rapidly dissipating whorling. The nose now has almonds, white pepper and aniseed - still with a hint of green tea, but also a little rhubarb. The body has almonds and walnuts, and then a big hit of white pepper and green tea. The finish is sweeter, with more vanilla and cinnamon, then white pepper.

A good dram, but the white pepper dominated it for me - I suspect my famous intolerance for heat is rearing its head, and preventing me from tasting much else. It's not too hot for me, but it is too sharp and peppery.

2/5