Taster

Nose: Oaky and lightly oily. Wet decks and light alcohol. Has depth and heft. In the background some burning heather and a little sweet leather.

Palate: Very sweet start and then a peppery attack, but this time it is covered with more fruit and oakiness. A lightly herbal quality creeps in at the back. Rich and chewy.

Finish: Delicate smoke emerges.

Comment: Great age but a little grippy. Undoubtedly a great dram but not a patch on the 25 Years Old.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Sort of a cross between an old style chemist shop and a patisserie: sweet pastries and brioche mixed with an earthy, Barbour jacket note.

Palate: A zip of citrus followed by an apple and poached pear sweetness. There is a peppery bite as well as waves of soft peat smoke.

Finish: Creamy oak with that earthy note returning in time.

Comment: Oak slightly dominates but this would be nit-picking. A great well aged dram.

Score: 8.6