10 years old, distilled 15th May 2007, 60.9% abv, Second Fill Barrel, 201 bottles, dram price B

The nose has leather, cedar and hints of oranges. The mouthfeel is thin with a little cling. The body has ginger biscuits, nutmeg, light smoke and toffee. The finish has toffee, light crisp smoke and ginger.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that doesn't linger. The nose gains caramel and more smoke - kindling just about to start a fire! The body gains liquorice and more smoke, and loses the nutmeg. The finish gains caramel and a hint of ash.

A summer evening's Islay - except not from Islay!

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I'd like a bottle.