Taster

Nose: Intense and vibrant. Lime zest, green grass, smoked fish and peat fires. Quite dry.

Palate: Initially seems like an explosion in the peat shed, but has great balance: sweet centred, malt, citrus. Fresh and exciting.

Finish: Oatcakes and smoke. Long.

Comment: A swaggering young dude.

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: Deceptively restrained.

Palate: Spicy. Saffron. Garden mint. Lemon juice. Tea.

Finish: Smoky.

Comment: I like young Islays, but this hyperactive whisky is just too frisky. The flavours need time to meld. Even with those shortcomings, it is an Ardbeg...

Score: 8