15 years old, distilled 6th October 1999, 56.6% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 321 bottles

The nose has fennel, gooseberry, pine needles, limoncello and pears. The mouth-feel is clean and smooth - a little coating. The body has a little toffee and cardamom alongside herb gardens and stewed pears. The finish is hard pears and pine needles.

Water brings tight whorling that lingers for a short while. The nose is less herbal - more pear and gooseberry. The body has less toffee, more fruit - even a hint of lemon. There's still herbs, but more subdued. The finish has a fantastic hint of lemon alongside the previous flavours.

A superb dram for a summer's picnic.

3.5/5