Taster

Nose: Clean, appetising smokiness and seaweed.

Palate: Oily, olivey. Bay leaves. A hint of cedar, but a bit empty.

Finish: Very distinctive. Flowery. Leafy, aromatic, smooth, soothing.

Comment: Port Ellen had such a distinctive character. This seems to be one of the less robust bottlings, yet has some character.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Seaweed/high water mark notes with pipe smoke, tar and hessian mixed with sherried notes.

Palate: Rich, big and silky. Quite sherried, mixing winey flavours with a rich Islay character.

Finish: As much happens after you've swallowed as goes on in the mouth.

Comment: Classic depth but like all Port Ellen it needs time to open.

Score: 8.8