Taster

Nose: An intriguing smoky nose mixing hickory, citrus peel. The water brings out notes of charred wood on a beach bonfire, a blast of ozone with dried heather.

Palate: Gentle to start and quite dry. In fact it's pretty dry, nutty/spicy and rooty all the way with the occasional glimpse of soft fruit.

Finish: Light smoke.

Comment: Not the full-on blast of peat reek you may expect, but a good, pretty dry dram.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Light \"edible seaweed\" salty sweetness.

Palate: Earthy, ground almonds. Nutty, syrupy, smooth. Some sherry.

Finish: Late salt. Some pepper.

Comment: The Islay aromas and flavours seemed to have almost vanished among the heathery mainland notes in the blending. They were just hiding. I came back to the glass three or four hours later and they had emerged.

Score: 8.3