Nose: Sharp peat smoke, woodsmoke, tobacco, wet hay, lemon zest, unripe melon, sage. Palate: A grassy, herbal arrival almost like herbal cough lozenges. The smoke follows in the development along with some pepper and mild chilli, vanilla and chewing tobacco. There’s a definite oily and rich mouthfeel, balanced by a certain degree of astringency. Finish: Medium/long. Ashes, rock salt, pepper and mild tannin. It has an interesting smokiness, quite unlike any coastal or maritime smoke from the islands, but to be honest I find it more interesting than enjoyable. The first time I tasted this I thought that it was what you'd get if you took Laphroaig Quarter Cask but replaced the iodine/medicinal notes with a spicy herbal character. An interesting and characterful whisky that is very well crafted but may not appeal to every palate. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)