Taster

Nose: An oily peatiness then comes mustard powder and freshly bleached lino floor and a hint of rubber (not necessarily a bad thing).

Palate: Initially more on the lifted, lemony, estery side undercut with smoke. Very sweet with good balance. With water the smoke returns.

Finish: Oily, phenolic.

Comment: Jim Beam, will you PLEASE do what Allied failed to and release Ardmore as a single malt? It's criminal this distillery isn't better known.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Floral, tangy. Honeysuckle. Green oak. Lemon balm. A briny hint. Develops into creamier aromas. Vanilla waffles.

Palate: Unexpectedly smooth and sweet. Grassy, malty with a touch of bitter almond. Pear drops. Dries out on a dusty hint.

Finish: Sweet, long, almondy. Touch of mint.

Comment: A hidden complexity on the palate. A malt to give you a tender kick on 'one of those days, you know...'

Score: 8