Taster

Nose: Lively. Light earthiness. Faint hint of smoke.

Palate: Smooth and firm. Dryish, cedary. Tannin. Apples. Oranges. Then creamy and sweet.

Finish: Spicy. Cinnamon. Ginger. Long, warm.

Comment: If this were a Lowland malt, it would be a star. As a Highlander, it gets lost.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Soft and attractive with good weight. Light honey, buttered scones, orange, grass and balanced toasty oak. Water brings out a fresh spiciness, but reduces the interest a bit.

Palate: Slightly drier than the nose suggests. A good mix of spicy oak, mid-palate weight and smooth texture.

Finish: A little short. Light honey, then biscuit.

Comment: Subtle. A wee charmer.

Score: 7.5