Taster

Nose: Maritime. Kipper-like, orange peel thrown on a barbecue, peat oil, tar, slightly sooty. Ever changing mix of dry, perfumed and sweet.

Palate: Starts soft and fruity, then peat. Medicinal peatiness balanced by caramelised sweetness.

Finish: Oatcake.

Comment: Expansive and complex. The balance and complexity gives it the edge over the other Islay.

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: Rich heavy nose with a vague floral touch (lilac?). Chestnut purée, white chocolate. A huge whiff of smoke emerges. Develops on toffee.

Palate: Smooth for the strength. Good grip. Water rounds it up. Creamy with an ashy dryness. Smoky.

Finish: Toffeish with a spicy burst. Smoke lingers.

Comment: Seems to hesitate between sweetness and dryness. Give it time to open, you will not regret it.

Score: 8.5