Taster

Nose: Faint sea echo. Distant peat. Sea-scallop. Vanilla. Custard. Orange sherbet. Touch of lavender.

Palate: Light, sweet and gentle. Maltier, then marine.

Finish: Warm, dry, open-hearted. Water brings back peaty flavour.

Comment: A rather pleasant dram but a paler version of Port Ellen.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Lean, green olive/sap with a belch of kiln smoke behind. Water shows immense smokiness: tarry ropes, sea thrift, fishermen's jumpers and a little burst of citrus.

Palate: Direct, dry. More of the kiln than the seashore. Oily.

Finish: Smoky, dry.

Comment: The smokier of the two, but doesn't have the roundness and complexity of the '78.

Score: 7.8