Taster

Nose: Phenolic with an earthy touch. A mix of peat reek and creosote which slowly uncovers a sweet note. Raspberry nectar, cherry candy.

Palate: Sweet before being smoky. Velvety texture. Interesting contrast between nose and palate. Sweetness precedes a dry sooty smokiness.

Finish: Dry, sooty. Chuao chocolate. Smoke.

Comment: Unusual tawny colour indicating a port finish, which has certainly imparted sweetness to that peaty character. Water brings out dryness.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Scented and herbal. Cherry-flavoured cough syrup, burning herbs on a garden bonfire, then rowan berries and violet with hints of gentian before sloe berries charge through.

Palate: A smoky ember in the mouth which cools into raspberry, then\rclove. Excellent integration.

Finish: Fruity, fisherman's friends.

Comment: A somewhat lurid colour, but this is an extremely sound and stylish BenRiach with an integration not often seen in finished whiskies.

Score: 8.3