28 years old, distilled 15th May 1991, 61.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 166 bottles, dram price I

The nose has pears, red apples, dried apricots and hints of cinnamon - hot cross buns!. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pear, toffee, cinnamon, crystallised ginger and nutmeg. The finish has toffee, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Water brings out thick, rapidly spreading whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains sultanas and some fresh baked bread. The body gains sultanas, raisins, salted caramels and loses the nutmeg. The finish gains sultanas and loses the nutmeg.

A great nose, but this dram needs water. The cask took its time, but ultimately delivered.

One for spring evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

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.