9 years old, distilled 21st December 2011, 57.9% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 230 bottles, dram price B

The nose has toffee apples, beeswax and hints of butterscotch. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has toffee apples, barley sugar water, barbour jackets, rhubarb crumble and butterscotch. The finish has toffee apples and wax with a hint of ginger.

Water brings out thick, rapidly spreading whorling that dissipates without settling into mottling. The nose gains rhubarb and barley sugar water. The body gains more rhubarb crumble and some crystallised ginger, losing nothing. The finish gains rhubarb.

A curious dram, packed with interesting flavours.

One for autumn 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.