12 years old, distilled 20th August 2008, 65.7% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 194 bottles, dram price C

The nose has apricots, peaches, oranges and hints of pineapple. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has apricot, peach, pineapple, then sour apple sherbet. The finish has apricot, peach, pineapple and hints of cinnamon.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains baked pineapple. The body gains baked pineapple, rich tea biscuits and then stem ginger. The finish gains baked pineapple and stem ginger.

A fruit bomb, and surprisingly well balanced with it. Some slight heat after water, but that baked pineapple note may well be worth it for many.

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.