Taster

Nose: Phenolic. A big whiff of smoke and briny air. Scallops. Oyster shells. Sweet\rmeadow flowers. Orange zest.

Palate: Fresh, clean. Sweet maltiness. The smoke hovers constantly. A thick kiln smoke. Tastes young. Hint of pear. Teases the tongue.

Finish: Sweet and smoky.

Comment: A clean cut frisky hearty Ileach. For a damp and foggy day.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: It may be pale in hue, but this is immense on the nose. Masses of peat smoke, seashells, rock pools, spent kiln, salt spray, wet kelp, miso soup with fresh clams. Considerable complexity for a dozen years in cask.

Palate: Hugely smoky but also with earthy and salty notes. Elemental. With water develops violet and gentian and some pepper. The mid palate is sweet.

Finish: Long and powerful. Salty.

Comment: Pent up power and energy. Lagavulin at its best. A must-buy.

Score: 9