Taster

Nose: Very noticeably herbal nose, dried herbs and cracked black pepper. Dark manuka honey underneath gives some sweetness. Some tropical fruit comes through, passionfruit and blueberries.

Palate: Herbal note from the nose comes through, with chamomile tea and honey sweetness. Oak is present too with coconut and vanilla. Cinnamon chewing gum spiciness.

Finish: Long with those spices tingling through.

Comment: An interesting example of an Islay, herbal and punchy. Water brings out more oak tannins.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Chargrilled mango flesh, underripe strawberries, eucalyptus plants and wet compost on a hot summer’s day. Essences of green tea, dried sage leaves and cayenne pepper create a herbal, spicy heat.

Palate: Hot green tea served with peppermint slices and fig rolls. Cider vinegar and sea salt crisps fade into notes of freshly cut wood shavings, shoe polish and cold buttered toast.

Finish: The herbal spices form length, with a hot oily finish.

Comment: Hot butter spread on cold toast and a mug of green chai tea.

Score: 8.5