10 years old, distilled 6th December 2007, 60.6% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 198 bottles, dram price A

The nose has pears, apples, apricots and hints of quince jelly. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pears and quince jelly, with a little soft caramel in the background. The finish has pears, apricots and quince.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains more quince and a hint of pineapple. The body gains toffee and pineapple and loses the caramel. The finish gains a little pineapple.

Full of fruit and nicely balanced, the only possible complaint is that high strength - there’s a little alcohol burn that might ruin it for some (even after I added water!)

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

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.