12 years old, distilled 12th July 2005, 60.6% abv, Second Fill Ex-French Oak Barrique, 222 bottles, dram price A

The nose has vanilla, toffee, charred oak and hints of pineapple and hoisin sauce. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pineapple, creme brulee, cinder toffee, hoisin sauce and vanilla. The finish has more of the vanilla and a nice hit of pineapple.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles briefly but barely mottles before it dissipates. The nose gains fresh oak and loses the toffee, with the vanilla becoming louder. The body gains more pineapple and some fresh oak - bourbon-like - yet also has a hint of plum. The finish gains more of the pineapple and some new oak.

This whisky is a little sharp in its delivery, but packed with well integrated flavours.

A very good starter whisky for an evening of tasting...

Technical score: 4/5

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!