12 years old, distilled 7th August 2007, 59.2% abv, Re-charred Hogshead, 219 bottles, dram price B

The nose has a delight melange of peach, apricot, pineapple, lemon, raspberry and a hint of soft toffee. (Nothing harsh - all soft notes.) The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lemon, pineapple, raspberry, toffee, tea chests and hint of cinnamon. The finish has lemon, pineapple and cinnamon with some soft toffee in the background.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that rapidly disperses without mottling. The nose gains more lemon and some sherbert - Refreshers sweeties! The raspberry is gone and the peach and apricot are diminished. The body gains more tea chest and toffee, and loses the raspberry. The finish gains stronger tea notes, and loses the pineapple.

A very good fruit-led dram with some tannins for balance, from a blending distillery that should be held in greater regard.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

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.