Official Tasting Notes
Character – Round and rich, well balanced and well-aged in superb oak. A focus on the maturation to bring a wonderful combination of the fruit alongside the smoke.
Nose – Rich Oak, dried fruit, citrus and smoke initially. Behind come maritime notes and sweet toasted oak and malt sugar. As the dram opens the dried sweet fruit comes to the fore, the dry Octomore smoke comes with it but overall, figs, dried apricot and cherry dominate.
Palate – Superb texture, soft and gentle but holds the high strength perfectly, allowing the richness and complexity stand out. the rich French oak brings beautiful sweetness and structure, toasted nuts, oak sugar, chocolate and toffee, the dried fruit is again sweet and rich and alongside the citrus and honey notes a unique harmony develops. Then to mention the smoke, on the plate, it is held in check initially, but always has a presence in the back, dark and brooding, ready to come through on the finish.
Finish – The finish is rubbery smoke, a little antiseptic and dry, in fact you can feel a little dryness on the palate now, the fruit notes fade and the smoke and oak head on, leaving a huge presence behind.