37 years old, distilled 3rd December 1980, 48.4% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 173 bottles, dram price G

The nose has caramel, toffee, and hints of dried pineapple and dried banana. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has caramel, dried pineapple and dried banana, oranges, and a hint of copy paper - so far the only clue to this whisky's nature. The finish has sherry, dried pineapple and caramel.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding wholring that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more pineapple and caramel. The body gains some more caramel and banana. The finish gains sherry hints, coming in waves over the tongue as it dries.

This is a stunning, beautiful whisky. I handed the sample to two other people, and none of them even suspected it was a grain whisky. The balance, the flavours, the whole experience is amazing.

One for summer evenings as the sun sets.

Technical score: 5/5

Personal preference: I'd like more than one 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!