Taster

Nose: Bold peat smoke, slightly burnt egg custard, natural yogurt, a lingering shellfish note and something earthy/mossy - wet river pebbles covered in algae.

Palate: Plenty of fiery peat, almost gingery and drying, with a touch of white pepper and intense cinnamon.

Finish: The peat turns slightly medicinal with time (and water).

Comment: Try describing 'Islay' to someone who has never visited before. If they still don't get it, give them a dram of this.

Score: 8.1

Taster

Nose: Gentle sweet peat smoke, buttered kippers, smoked butter, wood smoke, Parma ham. There is a creaminess as well, pork crackling. Candle wax, coal ash and BBQ lobsters.

Palate: Like being hit by a wave when surfing, salt, minerals, ozone. Then a sweet treacle note, Coal tar soap but not overly astringent.

Finish: Long and smoky, hints of BBQ pork and toasted oak.

Comment: A lovely Islay whisky, certainly one for outdoors on a cold night.

Score: 8.4