Nose: A currant bun, malty and with more dried fruit. There’s a brief flash of old dusty material and density to this full-bodied whisky. Given time, raspberries bring an extra zing and freshness to the experience. Vanilla pod, blackberries, milk chocolate, tarpaulin and smoke. A splash of water brings out more chocolate, ginger, orange, vanilla cream and roast beef.

Palate: Initially very palatable until the French oak comes out more into the finish – just to remind you it’s been utilised. Prior to that appearance, there’s a pleasing decadent richness to the whisky. The wine cask is evident, but it’s embraced what would have been a 25-year-ish Tormore and not smothered. Chocolate log, liquorice and clove. Adding water brings a level playing field, almost taking you back to some of the 1970s single malts that were matured in sherry and bottled at 40%. Raisins, dark chocolate, blackcurrant. Subtle, stylish, enjoyable – and I’m not talking about me.

The Dregs: This bottle definitely improved with airing. A couple of weeks in, and it’s more relaxed, approachable and ultimately, understandable. I always say, like a steak, give it a few minutes to rest and relax before tucking in. The same applies to whisky that has been forced into a sealed bottle and sent across the world to land at your table. Appreciate it and the moment; give it time before making a rash decision. Slainte, indeed.

Score: 7/10