Vintage 2006, 50.2% abv, Refill Gascon Black Oak Barrel, 442 bottles, dram price D

The nose has cherry cough sweets, pot pourri, and hints of lemon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has bergamot, lavender, lemon and hints of old leather tobacco pouches. The finish has bergamot, lavender, lemon and a hint of tobacco.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains more cherry and loses a little of the lemon. The body gains more cherry (glacé cherries) and tobacco, but loses the lavender and lemon. The finish gains more cherry and loses the lemon.

A delightful dram that plays with the palate like a cat with a new toy.

One for autumn days.

Technical score: 4.5/5
Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

This spirit was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.