20 years old, distilled 27th January 2003, 54.0% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 427 bottles, dram price F

The nose has peaches, grapefruit, apricot, soft gooey caramel and hints of dried coconut and dried banana. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has grapefruit, peaches, dried banana, pineapple chunks, caramel, lime-flavoured boiled sweets and a hint of cinnamon. The finish has peaches, pineapple chunks, and dried banana.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that dissipates quickly without mottling. The nose gains lemon, and loses the caramel and coconut. The body gains dried raspberry, more coconut and some lemon. The finish gains lemon.

A superb summer Lowland, full of fruit and a touch of the cask.

One for summer afternoons.

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.