Taster

Nose: Medicinal. Obvious TCP. Bold but the alcohol is well mastered. Light smoke. Boat tar. Fishing nets. Drying seaweeds.

Palate: Sweet, tender and yet, pungent. Oily feel. Perfect balance of iodine and malt.

Finish: Iodine, tarry warm but not fiery.

Comment: A perfect example of the 'tough guy with a tender heart'

Score: 8.8

Taster

Nose: Tarry with some liquorice, becoming increasingly medicinal alongside pipe smoke, smoked meats and burning yew branches.

Palate: An immediate sackful of soot, but then the layers slowly reveal themselves. A cracker.

Finish: Long smoky, slightly oily.

Comment: An excellent mix of the rich, the sweet and the smoky. Mouthfilling and complex.

Score: 9