Taster

Nose: Sweet egginess, like a custard tart. Some juniper, and cigar smoke. It feels youthful and vibrant, although a little clumsy at full strength but seemed to settle down with water.

Palate: Sweet, smokiness and some tinned peaches.

Finish: Dry smoke and ash.

Comment: No complexity, but a pleasant peaty dram. A definite step up from the old bottlings with no age statement.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Slightly edgy. Young and lightly floral before smoke is ignited with a drop of water. Some vanilla.

Palate: Quite dusty, then the smoke builds but balanced by a fragrant lift. It's like a florist's shop with a peat fire blazing in the corner.

Finish: Slightly rubbery.

Comment: Another that's growing in character. I'm looking forward to the 12 Years Old.

Score: 7.5