Taster

Nose: Some nose, a big whallop of cedar and oak. A slight saline edge to this, the smoked profile of bacon wrapped salmon. Roast chestnuts and honey coated almonds.

Palate: Cleaning out the log burner, marmalade sandwiches. Chilli shrimps and hot buttered cornbread.

Finish: Short and drying with that coal tar soap lingering on.

Comment: A big bruiser of a whisky, with that smoke shrouding everything, but great fun still as the other elements peek out every now and again.

Score: 8.7

Taster

Nose: You know that hot prickly sensation in the nose when sitting in a hot sauna? This is full of that! Herb crusted cod, pickled carrots and toasted pinenuts.

Palate: Salted caramels, a surprising burst of chimney soot and chargrilled sweetcorn with hints of sulphur at the end.

Finish: With the sooty smoke persistent on the palate it opens up finally over time.

Comment: A fruity smoke adds complexity that makes you want to go back for more.

Score: 8.2