Taster

Nose: Peppery damp tweed, ozone, old-fashioned fabric sticking plasters, then emerging citrus notes. All enfolded in soft, sweet peat.

Palate: Less sweet than anticipated. Citrus fruits and warm peat soon dry. Slightly mineral-like.

Finish: Nutty, with bitumen, chilli and liquorice sticks.

Comment: Ticks all the ‘true’ Laphroaig boxes, but doesn’t match this year’s revived 15 Years Old for overall excellence which is a pity.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Gentle peaty aromas, growing stronger as charcoal takes. Hints of heather and lavender almost drowned out.

Palate: A rush of warm peat smoke, burnt straw to begin, followed by sweet honey and caramel.

Finish: Dry and spicy finish with a hint of liquorice.

Comment: Delivers more of a light jab than the usual peaty punch of Laphroaig. None the worse for that for me.

Score: 7.6