Taster

Nose: Sharp, firm, peaty, dryness.

Palate: Assertively seaweedy start, almost immediately sliding into a slippery, oily, leaner maltiness then equally suddenly rising to a spicy crescendo.

Finish: Peppery, but with a complexity of other spices.

Comment: As a single, it must come from one of the Islay distilleries. Reminds me of Port Ellen, but there is surely not enough stock of that?

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Sweet peat and dried dates add untold riches to the clean malt and oak. High quality stuff.

Palate: The oak arrives to confront the peat. Result is a complex, spicy battle. Huge intensity with molassed depth countered by seaweedy, briny dryness.

Finish: Remains massive and long with countless layers of peaty iodine and oak ramming the tastebuds.

Comment: If you love Islay whisky, especially the south-east coast variety, this is an absolute must.

Score: 9.3