19 years old, distilled 9th May 2002, 53.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 140 bottles, dram price F

The nose has peaches, pears, apricots, hints of fine pastry and jasmine. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has peaches, apricots, pain aux raisin, incense sticks, and ints of liquorice. The finish has peaches, apricots, pastries, and liquorice.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that slowly expands into brief mottling. The nose gains green apple and herbal hints, and loses the jasmine. The body gains more peach, jasmine and cinnamon and loses some of the pastries. The finish gains some cinnamon and loses nothing.

A superb dram that feels younger than its years, but has balance and poise that requires time to discover.

One for spring evenings.

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.