Taster

Nose: Marine and phenolic. Seawashed pebbles. Creosote whiff. Sweet cereals. Crème caramel.

Palate: Definitely a mariner. Smoked fish and some oiliness. Tangy spicy feel. Black pepper.

Finish: Dry, smoky. Slightly sooty. Hint of tar.

Comment: A pungent character. Warm phenolic and uncompromising but hiding a pleasant cereal sweetness. The alcoholic strength is somewhat burning though. Water helps but does not cut all the sharp edges.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Packed full of intense, bright aromas: vanilla pod, lemon zest, white chocolate. There's a strange exoticism like Tibetan salt chocolate and a whiff of black olive tapenade. The light smoke adds another touch to the pattern of aromas.

Palate: Good breadth of character and intensity with a light smokiness. Water needs to be added.

Finish: Tarry rope. Great length.

Comment: Another which typifies the Japanese style of light pure whiskies with amazing precision.

Score: 8.5