12 years old, distilled 30th March 2007, 57.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 195 bottles, dram price C

The nose has citrus (lemon-scented cleaners), ozone, rock pools, and hints of flint, bleach and mildew. A very curious nose - but it works! The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has green apple, lemon sherbet, sugary pie crust, and hints of watch oil. The finish has lemon sherbet, ozone, watch oil and a hint of coffee.

Water brings out thin, short-lived whorling that dissipates without mottling. The nose gains banana, balsamic vinegar, and rhubarb and custard sweeties. The bleach and mildew are gone. The body gains banana, rhubarb and custard sweets, and hints of fresh oak. The finish gains fresh oak, rhubarb and some hints of liquorice.

A curious dram - fresh and fruity, quite oily. Somehow it all works together, but re-reading the notes it certainly seems odd! It was great fun to pick apart all the hints though, so definitely an enjoyable bottle.

One for spring mornings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.