Taster

Nose: Light smoke. A complex, slightly restrained nose. Putty, macadamia, moorland, sooty chimney, wet seaweed.

Palate: Delivers all its complexities here. Soft mouthfeel, mixing gentle oak, heather, sweet pear-like fruits then a powerful dark smokiness.

Finish: Iodine. Long. sweet.

Comment: As subtle a Talisker as you'll come across.

Score: 8.8

Taster

Nose: Scorched earth. Harbour aromas. Seaweed.

Palate: Distant thunder. Seems to rumble and reverberate as the volcanic heat builds ever so slowly. Hot, slightly sour, peppery. Very tightly combined flavours, reluctant to unfurl. When they did, the earth moved.

Finish: Quite quick and sharp. A thunderflash.

Comment: Doesn't sound enjoyable? You bet it was.

Score: 9.3