12 years old, distilled 17th November 2003, 59.6% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 168 bottles

The nose has lemon, brine, apple and a hint of mint - then burning cardboard. The mouthfeel is thin with little cling. The body has lemon, lime, wood shavings and a little hint of thyme, and more of that cardboard smoke. The finish is sweet vanilla and a crisp smoke.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into short-lived mottling. The nose now loses the mint and apple, and has more smoke. The body has lost the lime and thyme, but gained an earthiness that replaces the crisp smoke. The finish retains the vanilla, but the smoke is earthy and altogether heavier - it also last a while longer.

A great autumnal dram for the colder evenings.

3.5/5