Taster

Nose: Malty with a earthy character. Hint of toffee. Opening on sweet notes. Pears poached in syrup. With water, an orangey note.

Palate: Sweet and round at first then drying on oak notes. Dusty spices. Getting astringent and prickly.

Finish: Dry, slightly burning. A nutty aftertaste.

Comment: This whisky is rather grumpy at start but on time, it reveals a richer profile. Classic malty character.

Score: 7.7

Taster

Nose: Hmmm. A delight straight off the bat. Steeped dried fruits, silky wafts of floral smoke, effortless oak integration and a lovely glazing of dark honey. Superb.

Palate: Sweet candied orange segments mix with a toasty, peppery smoke, some drying spice notes (cardamom and anise) with a mouth watering orange zest.

Finish: The oak tries to dominate, but is just about restrained by the spices.

Comment: The nose is the real selling point here, with bags of character. Well done indeed.

Score: 8.6