16 years old, distilled 16th January 2006, 55.6% abv, First Fill Ex-PX Hogshead, 268 bottles

The nose has sherry - nuts, oranges, treacle and a hint of dark chocolate. The body has orange peel, treacle, mixed nuts, dark chocolate and hints of fennel. The finish has orange peel, treacle and fennel.

Water brings out thick rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more oranges and dark chocolate, and loses the treacle a little. The body gains honeycomb and smokey toffee, and loses a little of the treacle. The finish gains honeycomb and a touch of ginger, but loses the treacle.

A very good sherry finish that’s really nicely integrated.

One for autumn evenings.

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.