20 years old, distilled 9th May 2002, 59.6% abv, first fill ex-bourbon barrel, 145 bottles, dram price F

The nose has apricots, peaches and whipped cream with hints of foam bananas. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pink wafers, dried banana, honey and marzipan. The finish has pink wafers, apricots, dried banana and a hint of oak.

Water brings out compact, rapidly dissipating whorling that doesn’t mottle. The nose gains honey and marzipan with hints of almond nougat, and loses the whipped cream. The body gains fudge and peaches, and loses the marzipan. The finish gains nougat.

A fine balance of oak and fruit, this is why we shouldn’t tell outsiders about this distillery. Simply superb.

One for summer afternoons.

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.