Taster

Nose: Big, soft, smokiness

Palate: Assertive. Attention-grabbing. Lively acidity. The faintest dash of malt vinegar. Malty. Bittersweet.

Finish: Long, warming.

Comment: Bring on the kippers.

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: Gentle waft of creosote and embers, above which a jasmine flower blossoms, accompanied by pear drops, linseed notes and a hint of vanilla.

Palate: Luscious sweetness with creamy crème caramel, background waft of sweet, earthy peat and chargrilled notes, before jasmine tea.

Finish: Creamy crème caramel and digestive biscuit sweetness with a waft of dry peatiness.

Comment: Sweet-dry-savoury-fruit balance, intense but elegant. A dram with drama.

Score: 8.5