Nose: A stormy Scottish shoreline of coastal peat crashes out of the glass to begin with - followed by cracked black pepper and stewing red vegetables. Then a sootiness emerges with autumnal forest notes with vanilla pods lazing in the background. Finally there is a little apple and pear which hint at some sherry influence.
Palate: Heavy peat, hay and salt crystals form a palate-cleansing flavour initially which is chased by sherried dried fruit and ground coffee.
Finish: The peat becomes warming with notes of Christmas cake crumbs and wood-spice. Then comes a cleansing trio of clove, menthol and liquorish with tea-like tannins. Finally notes of damson jam reveal themselves in what can only be described as a stupendously long finish which stays on the lips and the tip of the tongue.
Overall: This is a complex and incredible blended malt whisky. The sherry influence doesn't distract from the clean notes of peat whilst there are plenty of other delicate flavours to intrigue the palate. Literally lip-smackingly good!