12 years old, distilled 19th June 2007, 56.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 197 bottles, dram price C

The nose has pears, strawberry chews and hints of liquorice. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pears, strawberries, watch oil, axle grease, liquorice and a hint of aniseed. The finish has watch oil, liquorice and aniseed.

Water brings out thick, rapidly spreading whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains lemon, watch oil and hints of canvas. The body gains lemon and hints of fishing harbours - freshly caught fish and mechanical oils.

A lovely dram that’s both sweet AND dirty - superb!

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

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.