17 years old, distilled 26th September 1997, 56.8% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 260 bottles

The nose has pears, peaches, bananas, vanilla and honeyed notes, with a little blackcurrant jam in the background. The mouthfeel is thin, with little cling. The body has lemon sherbet, vanilla, blackcurrant and a little hint of hay bales. The finish is lemon sherbet and vanilla.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly spreading whorling that doesn’t linger for long. The nose now has no blackcurrant jam, but plenty of peaches and vanilla. The body has more vanilla, with honey and a little toffee. The finish is unchanged.

Enjoy this with a fruit crumble!

3/5