Taster

Nose: That rarest of beasts: a peaty aroma on a blended Irish. Softer than it used to be, but with trademark apples and grapes; fine balance.

Palate: Full, fat and much richer than of old. The sweetness holds longer and the smokiness has to battle through the intense malt. The grain adds a refined dryness.

Finish: Dry, spicy, and hauntingly smoky. Some deep vanilla and sweeter malt.

Comment: A superb blend that is more complex than it used to be.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Perfumy, linseedy, cereal-grain.

Palate: Firm, smooth, sweetish. Touch of peaty rootiness.

Finish: Faint balance of orange-peel dryness.

Comment: More complex, and fuller in flavour, than many Irish blends. Very well balanced. Just a hint of a Scottish accent.

Score: 7.5