Taster

Nose: Dull greenish amber hue. Rich, mellow and well peated. Kippers, wet coal, pipe smoke, walnut. Slightly medicinal. It's standing beside the Port Ellen maltings going at full blast while drinking a glass of dry Oloroso. Development moves into balsamic notes

Palate: Robust and smoky from the start. Ash like, suggesting maturity. Still sweet in centre.

Finish: Treacle and some tar.

Comment: Not for the fainthearted. A hairy beast.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Fresh sea air. Soft smoke. Both restrained.

Palate: Tongue-coating, Honeyed. Sweetcure smoked bacon. Slight laver-bread or spinach.

Finish: Spicy. HP Sauce, gingery.

Comment: Nothing too elaborate here. Good honest Islay whisky. Have this with breakfast and you will live forever, or feel that way.

Score: 8.3