Taster

Nose: Malty. Hazelnut toffee. And also a cheesy note. Then undergrowth aromas. Wet leaves, pine needles. Then opening on sweeter notes. Praline, milk chocolate.

Palate: Smooth at first then crisp and dry. More toffee, caramel custard. Praline. Touch of ginger. Wood is well integrated. Water enhances fruit (apple).

Finish: Lively, dry and spicy.

Comment: I was disturbed at first by a kind of cheesy note; but on time, the nose blossomed into a pastry-like aromatic palate. Good spicy kick. An uplifting whisky.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: A beautiful nose of dusty spices with perfumed violets, earth, honey and barley. Big, powerful nose with lightly buttery oak, sweet barley and rye-like herbal notes. The honey is divine!

Palate: Opens with honey, barley and dusty spices. Full and chewy with apricot, barley and juicy malt. Hints of dried fruit come through along with coffee and liquorice.

Finish: Long, succulent and juicy. The thick honey balances the alcohol and tannins superbly. Slightly smoky and earthy after-taste.

Comment: Simply stunning. Powerful, superbly balanced. A malt to savour.

Score: 9.3