Nose

Dazzling complexity; light yet softly smoked, with both youthful grassy notes and heavier, richer ones. A treat.

Palate

Rich, faintly honeyed malt tones, underpinned by smokiness. The fruitiness is faint but essential to the complexity.

Finish

Dry malt and gentle peat take equal and alternate stage. Some lovely cocoa notes on the finish.

Comment

Balvenie has long been a favourite, and this expression is sublime. A riposte to any who claim that all Speysiders are much of a muchness.