24 years old, distilled 23rd October 1997, 53.7% abv, first fill ex-Oloroso hogshead, 259 bottles, dram price H

The nose has leather tobacco pouches, coal fire smoke and a touch of lime. The mouthfeel is decent with a little cling. The body has coal smoke, old leather, rough tobacco, lime, and a hint of dark chocolate. The finish has coal smoke, leather tobacco pouches and a hint of oranges.

Water brings out tight thin whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains barbecued seafood and loses some of the coal fire. The body gains lemon and barbecued seafood. The finish gains lemon and more pipe tobacco.

A superb peated highlander, reminding us that islands have no monopoly on excellence.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 5/5
Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

This whisky was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.