Nose

Sweet, apple blossom honey, something mezcal-like to it. Ashy. With water it calms a bit but the smokiness remains alongside peach fruit salad.

Palate

Without water, back to the mezcal note or even Caol Ila, quite bold and slightly smoky. With water, more of the fruit emerges.

Finish

Long, lingering finish like the ashy remnants of the previous night’s bonfire.

Comment

A bold and striking single malt from Ireland, that could be slightly better balanced but is a different beast for this category.