16 years old, distilled 7th February 2003, 53.6% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 223 bottles, dram price D

The nose has ozone, candied lemon, old medicine tins and hints of fishing harbours. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lemon, pineapple, ozone, old medicine tins (liniment?) and a slight flintiness. The finish has lemon, ozone, brine and a little liniment.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains hints of distant bonfire smoke, damp wool - but loses nothing. The body gains a little smoke and more lemon. The finish gains some smoke and more lemon.

A distant, subtle dram.

One for autumn evenings.

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.