18 years old, distilled 13th August 1997, 53.5% abv, Second-Fill Ex-Sauternes Hogshead, 276 bottles

The nose has peaches, apricots, raspberries and a hint of cinnamon. The mouthfeel is thin with little cling, but very smooth. The body has peaches, pears, then cinnamon and nutmeg - it moves towards woody spice quite quickly. The finish is cinnamon, pear and a hint of a curious metallic note.

Water brings out tight, thin and rapidly expanding whorling that settles briefly before dissipating. The nose gains pears and loses the raspberries. The body has gained citrus - lemon and lime - and spun sugar. The finish is sweeter, with less cinnamon and gaining peaches and lime.

A great starter.

4/5