Taster

Nose: Fruitier than the 10 and in some ways more intense, though not as far as the peat is concerned.

Palate: Chewy and intense, but a feeling there is something missing. The oaky middle is slightly nutty.

Finish: Long, chocolatey and peaty. Lots of vanilla. Also a slightly off-putting tang that I can't recognise.

Comment: I do enjoy the big peat, but something is out of sync here. Enjoyable but ultimately disappointing.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Phenol, tar, sulphur.

Palate: A deceptive moment of peppermint sweetness and grassiness, then an explosion of sulphur, burning peat and Islay intensity.

Finish: Round, dry, long, warming.

Comment: Lively. Full of flavours. Multi-faceted.

Score: 9