5 years old, distilled 20th June 2016, 65.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Barrique, 135 bottles

The nose has weetabix and mahogany, with hints of red apple in the background. The body has weetabix, playdoh and a touch of white pepper. The finish has fresh oak and white pepper.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that dissipates almost immediately. The nose gains red apple and the mahogany has been polished. The body gains red apple, toffee sweetness and the centre of maltesers, and loses the playdoh. The finish gains toffee and malt and loses some of the fresh oak.

An intriguing dram in the way it changes with water - I preferred it with water as the fruit and toffee opened up.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5
Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

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.