14 years old, distilled 4th September 2002, 59.3% abv, Virgin Oak Hogshead, 210 bottles

The nose has crystallised ginger, spring blossoms, banana, and soft toffee. There's also a hint of cardamom. The mouthfeel is decent, very smooth but no cling. The body has more of the toffee and banana, and some blackcurrant towards the end. The finish is ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla.

Water brings out thin whorling that quickly settles into fine mottling. The nose gains more spring blossoms, and loses the hint of cardamom. The body has more of the ginger - no longer crystallised - and some more cinnamon. The finish is unchanged.

A spicy dram that needs something to accompany it.

3/5