Taster

Nose: Aromatic. With an antique fragrance. Old library. Cloved orange, cedar. Then a mouth-watering pastry note. Dundee cake. But the maltiness is not covered.

Palate: Satin-like. Splendid display of sherry flavours. Dates, candied orange, toasted hazelnuts, sultanas. Suple oakiness.

Finish: Dry, lingering. Raisins, oak.

Comment: Obviously sherried with a perfect integration of malt and wood. Incredibly smooth given the strength. Bring the chocolates, please!

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: The slightly fungal note of maturity - mushroom compost, late autumn leaves, antique shops. Then a beautiful smouldering peaty note. Sweetness too: both oak and a concentrated black fruit, toffee, then nuts. Old but fresh.

Palate: Explosive palate. Light smoke, nutty wood, coconut, brambles, shifting to nutmeg and then the peat begins to creep through. Rooty with great length.

Finish: Rooty and smoky with a fungal note.

Comment: Old, slightly grumbly but fascinating. Highly recommended.

Score: 8.5