15 years old, distilled 23rd July 2007, 58.3% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 292 bottles, dram price E

The nose has charcoal grills, seared pears and a hint of rubber. The mouthfeel is thing with no cling. The body has plums, pears, barbecue flavoured crisps, and a little tobacco. The finish has plums, charcoal smoke, and rubber pencil erasers.

Water brings out thick whorling that dissipates quickly without mottling. The nose gains orange chew sweets and hints of sherry. The body gains orange chew sweets and more charcoal smoke, and loses the barbecue crisps. The finish gains more charcoal smoke and some burnt rubber.

A curious dram combining sweet and smoke in an unusual way.

One for winter mornings.

Technical score: 4/5
Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.