14 years old, distilled 12th July 2005, 59.3% abv, Ex-Bourbon Hogshead and Second Fill Toasted Hogshead, 184 bottles, dram price B

The nose has balsa wood, cinnamon, old faded oak and coriander seeds. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has balsa wood, toffee, ginger, cinnamon and a building chilli heat. The finish has toffee, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and hints of rum.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into lingering mottling. The nose gains caramel and roasted peanuts, and loses the old faded oak and the coriander seeds. The body gains caramel, peanut brittle, and coconut oil. The heat is diminished. The finish gains caramel and peanut, and loses the nutmeg.

A feisty young dram that has sweetness and spice, but can be tamed with water to become all things nice.

One for spring afternoons in a hipflask.

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.