Taster

Nose: Smoky, with hints of oak and sherry.

Palate: Syrupy, surprisingly sweet and nutty, with very late development of appetisingly grassy, peaty, smokiness, slight seaweed and saltiness.

Finish: Long and warming.

Comment: The more typical of the two 1989 versions. For me, classic Caol Ila, with a touch of peat, noses ahead of the fruitier, more sensuous, expression.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Elegant, powerful and muscular. Stewed pear, cream and dried peel/orange marmalade. Great energy. All the phenolics come from the end of the pier.

Palate: Big and chewy, the smoke acting as a counterpoint to maritime/medicinal notes. Heather perfumed smoke and rich fruit in perfect balance.

Finish: Long and smoky, a touch of Germolene, then almond/cream.

Comment: The biggest and the most complex.

Score: 8.5