Taster

Nose: Sweet, slightly ashy peat. When the vanilla fades it’s certainly a more earthy whisky. Hemp, damp moss, citrus. Sandalwood incense. A little one-dimensional.

Palate: The earthiness takes over – underneath that ashy, Lapsang Souchong peat is blunt, and gives way to basic flavours: citrus, vanilla, floral honey, black pepper and nutmeg.

Finish: Peppery, citrusy, and reasonably short. Quite a sudden end. The peat simmers.

Comment: Not massively in harmony, but it’s a decent bit of fun.

Score: 7.7

Taster

Nose: The distant reek of peat fires. Forest floor notes, a little damp wood and soil, leafy mulch in the Autumn. Cigar boxes with sweetness coming from the oak.

Palate: That forest floor steps up and envelops everything, tea smoked tuna, lime butter, autumnal leaves and some honey sweetness. All wrapped in a blanket of peat.

Finish: Short and sharp, leaving the peat to dry.

Comment: Very peat forward, but it is reined in by other things going on it there. One for this time of year.

Score: 8