14 years old, distilled 5th July 2006, 56.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Port Barrique, 275 bottles, dram price C

The nose has cherries, sultanas, raisins - a fruit cake! - and hints of cinnamon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has more of the cherries, sultanas and raisins and adds soft toffee. The finish has soft toffee, sultanas and then cinnamon and a touch of cardamom.

Water brings out thin whorling that dissipates without mottling. The nose gains oak and cinnamon. The body gains oak and more cherries. The finish gains softer oak and some more cinnamon.

A curious dram with a great nose, but that barrique has added a touch too much oak.

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 4/5
Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.