11 years old, distilled 29th June 2006, 60.6% abv, Refill Ex-Oloroso Butt, 549 bottles, dram price B

The nose has walnuts, praline, chocolate nibs and a hint of balsemic vinegar. The mouthfeel is thin with some cling. The body has orange liquers, walnuts, and dark chocolate. The finish is walnuts, and dark chocolates with orange fondant.

Water brings out thick, compact whorling that expands into brief mottling. The nose gains oranges and loses the hint of vinegar, with the chocolate nibs becoming dark chocolate. The body gains more orange notes and loses some of the walnut. There's also a hint of balsemic vinegar towards the finish, which was unexpected. The finish loses some of the walnut, but gains more orange fondant and the slightest hint of vinegar.

A dram for firesides. Old beyond its years, precisely balanced and as tasteful as the people who will no doubt drink it...

Technical score: 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!