Taster

Nose: Grape juice carbolic, vanilla pannacotta and chocolate limes. With more time an intense earthiness comes through, with moss and seaweed thrown in.

Palate: Earth, spice and vanilla. Smoked fish rolled in ash. A little simple, and too dominated by that earthy, sphagnum character.

Finish: Peppercorn spice.

Comment: Distinctive, and not the usual Caol Ila, and Talisker fans should find this one fun.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Aromatic and fresh with, initially, a touch of the dentist's surgery, then linden tree blossom. In time it conjures up an image of chewing a grass stalk next to a dying bonfire as someone passes you an oatcake with smoked mackerel paté on it.

Palate: Well balanced. The peat slides through the Germoline. Sweet mid-palate with light grassiness.

Finish: A little short.

Comment: Intense and in character. A fairly simple Caol Ila but a goody.

Score: 7.8