Taster

Nose: Masses of spice come through the alcohol, pepper grinds, turmeric, Angel Delight powder, caramelised sugar, eventually a distant coal tar soap.

Palate: Lots of big spiced notes, chillies, Gentlemen's Relish, then that peat note comes in, smoked haddock.

Finish: Waves of peat laced with that chilli hotness all pinned together with a big slab of malt loaf.

Comment: A perfect dram to see you through the chilly nights.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: A strong waft of dried ginger, nutmeg, white pepper, butterscotch sauce and a spiky but closed peat wait to spring out of the cupboard at you.

Palate: Hot and very peppery, with a zingy dry chipotle note, leading into some very direct iodine/peat smoke dry brown toast and a little potted shrimp.

Finish: There's no escaping the peat or the pepper, but each are well balanced, giving way to a malty undertone.

Comment: Sometimes the palate cries out for whiskies as direct as this, especially on cold days like today.

Score: 8.3