14 years old, distilled 5th August 2006, 57.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 299 bottles, dram price D

The nose has dark chocolate and hints of hazelnuts. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has sweet and sour plum sauce, hazelnut nougat, dark chocolate, and hints of rhubarb. The finish has plums, rhubarb and nougat.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that quickly vanishes. The nose gains plums, hints of rough leather and red wine. The body gains red wine and loses the rhubarb. The finish gains cinnamon and a hint of red wine.

A good balance between sherry cask and bourbon, this dram is dangerously drinkable. Only the cinnamon after water makes me not want a bottle.

One for spring afternoons.

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.