18 years old, distilled 27th January 2003, 58.1% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 200 bottles, dram price E

The nose has lime, grapefruit, hints of lemon and a herbal note. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lime, grapefruit, thyme, mint leaves and a touch of unvarnished oak furniture. The finish has lime, grapefruit and fresh oak.

Water brings out thick, compact whorling that settles rapidly into brief mottling. The nose gains kiwi fruit and green apples, and loses the slight herbal note. The body gains more lemon, some kiwi fruit, red apples and hints of pear - and loses the grapefruit. The finish gains more lemon and fresh oak, alongside kiwi fruit and green apple.

A very pleasant summer’s day dram - the oak has worked well with the sweet and fruit spirit.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4.5/5
Personal preference: I’d like more than one 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.