9 years old, distilled 7th July 2009, 57.4% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 162 bottles, dram price B

The nose has a florists’ shop, rhubarb and hints of custard. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has rhubarb, green apples, pot pourri and vanilla towards the end. The finish has vanilla and green apples.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains vanilla and loses some of the rhubarb. The body gains more rhubarb and loses the pot pourri. The finish gains more rhubarb.

An interesting dram, but it never quite held it together for me. Charming nonetheless though.

One for spring afternoons.

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.