Taster

Nose: Glazed country ham alongside a light smoky note. Shows good maturity and light dry oak. The water brings out caulked timbers and light lapsang, but all elements are balanced.

Palate: Peppery start with wasabi-like heat adding to the martime impressions. The feel is oily and it needs a drop of water. This smooths it, allowing more spiced flavours to develop.

Finish: Long, smoky, intriguing.

Comment: Fantastic balance and depth for its age. Exemplary old peaty whisky.

Score: 8.9

Taster

Nose: Ethereal. Light smoke. Like walking in Port Ellen on a foggy winter morning into a humidity saturated air. On time, more earthy notes. Cider apples behind the smoke.

Palate: Smooth and sweet at first. Then a spicy outburst follows, ticking the tongue. But it is not biting.

Finish: Dry. Apricot stone aftertaste.

Comment: An invigorating dram. It tastes younger than its age. Surprisingly, the alcohol tends to numb the palate when water added.

Score: 7.8