Taster

Nose: Intense with a floral note at start. Peony, freesia. Then comes smoke and light soot. Citrussy. A definite toasted aroma with a creamy twist. Cappuccino. Briny. Opening on sweet notes. Vanilla, frangipane with a touch of Séville orange.

Palate: Sweet at first then drying on smoke and soot. Smokier than on the nose. Still this citrussy character. Toasted coffee beans. \r

Finish: Sweet and fresh with a touch of liquorice and bog myrtle.\r

Comment: A classic Kildalton malt. A classic Ardbeg with a little plus (the toasty note).

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Peat, but that delicate peat which reminds one of a lazy summer day not a windswept boat trip. Apricots and peaches drizzled with vanilla custard. Mocha.\r

Palate: Chopped hazelnuts, peat smoke, Madagascan vanilla, Tonka bean and dark chocolate. This is rich and rounded. \r

Finish: More peat smoke, a hint of juniper and the mocha notes again.

Comment: Some people make peaty whisky, others try to. On this offering, these guys are the former, not the latter.

Score: 9.2