10 years old, distilled 5th October 2004, 61.1% abv, first fill ex-white wine hogshead, 268 bottles

The nose has bacon frazzles, damp hay, smoke from a bonfire of new green wood, and a hint of Karvol cold capsules. The mouthfeel is smooth with a little cling. The body has butterscotch, salted caramels, hazelnut nougat and dark chocolate. The finish is long, sweet and full of vanilla with a little cinnamon and distant smoke.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding and lingering whorling. The nose now gains a little creosote note, with some slight pork notes. The body has gained pork chops and a little bit of brown sauce. The finish gains a little more light smoke.

A great dram for the end of an evening without killing your palate.

4.5/5