Taster

Nose: Mature with good intensity. Slightly fungal, leaf mulch, hessian, powdered nut, old apricots, chestnut mushroom, peat smoke, treacle toffee, old cupboards.

Palate: Slightly earthy. Rum and raisin, with a hazelnut shell character acting like a filter for the softer more liquorous elements. Balanced.

Finish: Peat smoke comes through, giving extra depth.

Comment: Old brocade, velvet curtains, tweed.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Floral, scented, Lily of the Valley, with some tinned peaches and a whiff of smoke when reduced.

Palate: Initially very sweet, some delicate peat and marmalade. The complexity develops. Big and firm.

Finish: Dries steadily, but the oak is well in check here.

Comment: This has lasted superbly for its age, proof that Glen Garioch is a seriously impressive malt, one that improves with lengthy maturation.

Score: 9