12 years old, distilled 29th August 2006, 58.6% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 325 bottles, dram price B

The nose is subtle - battenburg cake and hints of rosewater. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has vanilla, rosewater, sultanas and then a little balsa wood. The finish has vanilla and balsa wood.

Water brings out thin, compact and short lived whorling. The nose gains meringue and loses the rosewater. The body gains meringue and more sultanas, and loses some of the rosewater. The finish gains sultanas and a hint of cinnamon.

A light, sweet dram which offers a lot to anyone willing to seek.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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.