At first we found notes of pencil shavings and medicinal herbs, then potpourri, sandalwood, paprika and scented hardwood resins. The cask was clearly dominant here, but with water ... there was more complexity and elegance, bringing notes of mineral oils, date molasses, figs in syrup and natural tar extract. Still quite a "big" dram.

The palate when neat displayed a warm rush of oak spices, black tea tannins, balsamic glaze, boiled lime sweets and tea tree oil. With water we noted a generous slice of Iberico ham, treacle sponge cake, pomegranate syrup and winter mulling spices. This was matured for 12 years in a bourbon hogshead before being transferred to a first fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead.