9 years old, distilled 31st March 2009, 56.4% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 252 bottles, dram price A

The nose has plenty of oak, some soft leather, honeysuckle and a little cherry. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has fresh cut grass, honeysuckle, soft leather, vanilla and asparagus. The finish has vanilla, asparagus and soft leather.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more cherries and vanilla sponge cake, and loses some of the oak. The body gains poached pears and cinnamon dusting. The finish continues with the cinnamon dusting, building as the palate dries.

A little too spicy after water, but an intriguing smorgasbord of flavours that I very much enjoyed.

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 3/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

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.