Taster

Nose: Light and grassy, then some Arbroath smokie. Lightly perfumed (sage, juniper?) with a vanilla lift, hot sand, ash-like smoke. Good balance and intensity. Needs water.

Palate: The sweetness continues. Light fruits, some creaminess. Quite firm without water.

Finish: Dry, long, lightly grassy. Ash.

Comment: Not instantly welcoming, this takes time to get to know... but it is worth the effort. Subtle complexities at work.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Lemon, tiger balm, eucalyptus, lime, citrus flavoured bathroom cleaner.

Palate: Some buttery character, but fairly woody and with a dirty smoke.

Finish: Ash.

Comment: Old, phenolic but just not pleasant enough for me. I think I just prefer Caol Ila young.

Score: 7.3