9 years old, distilled 7th March 2013, 58.4% abv, first fill ex-bourbon barrel, 223 bottles, dram price C

The nose has barbecue smoke, charred seafood, farmyard earth and hints of tar. The mouthfeel is decent with a little cling. The body has barbecued seafood and smoke, coffee grinds, heather honey and a touch of green apple. The finish has barbecue smoke and farmyard earth alongside heather honey.

Water brings out thick whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains apple puree and more smoke. The body gains green apples and loses a little of the farmyard funkiness. The finish gains green apple, and the smoke is diminished.

This was far more smokey and dirty than I expected, and water brought it back into line - not that there was anything wrong without water! A superb Scotia.

One for summer nights.

Technical score: 4.5/5
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.