Nose: Fresh-cut hay, lemon oil, apple skins, gentle oak, a little vanilla. Allowing it some time to open in the glass adds depth but does not change the balance, the main difference being the appearance of cereal and dusty oak aromas. Adding water brings balance and even greater depth, with porridge and warm brioche emerging. Palate: The arrival is sweet and spritzy with zesty cinnamon and pepper spices over lemon custard. Semi-sweet tropical fruit comes forward in the development with honeyed herbs (rosemary, sage, tarragon) and some ale-like notes. There is a singular herbal and slightly briny character to the palate. The texture is creamy, particularly once reduced, and water also shows up sweet notes in the palate that are otherwise hidden. Finish: Medium. Sweet/briny citrus with beery notes. Reduction shortens but considerably softens the finish. This bottle changed a great deal once it was opened, and my notes above are based on it once it had sat at about 2/3 full for a month. Initially both the aromas and flavours were sharp and hot with aggressive, astringent citrus and herbal notes in abundance. However with time and oxygen it softened dramatically. The nose gained depth with peach and apple appearing, and the palate relaxed to a surprising degree with marshmallow lemon pie replacing the initial lemon flavours that were almost bitter. It is generally similar in profile to standard Craigellachie 13 (which also changes with oxidization, but to a lesser degree). There is the definite presence of something else at work here but if I had not known that ex-armagnac casks had played a role in the maturation I would never have guessed. It certainly does not show the characteristic presence of brandy casks, and if anything I would have guessed at palo cortado or fino sherry maturation. This bottle (batch code L23186ZA800 1319) was a birthday present from Mrs Cascode and we were a little disappointed on first tasting it, however over time it has opened wonderfully into an interesting and enjoyable dram. Initially I would only have given it 78/100, but as it is now, and particularly with a few drops of water, it is worth a higher score. “Good” : 84/100 (3.75 stars)