12 years old, distilled 23rd September 2004, 60.0% abv, Virgin Oak Hogshead, 252 bottles, dram price B

The nose has polished mahogany, leather and mulled red wine - and a curiously incongruous note of machine oil. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has more of the mahogany and mulled wine, and then brings vinegar and sherry. The finish is sherry and a hint of balsamic vinegar.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more leather and machine oil. The body gains machine oil and wood staining, but loses nothing. The finish gains wood staining.

A remarkably surprising combination of flavours - it does exactly what the tin never even hinted at... One for firesides!

3.5/5