Islay Barley pours a flax-colored liquid into my glass. The nose is surprising—cinnamon bread, iodine, dried orange peel, and the striking scent of fresh thyme (oily, savory, and floral sweet all at once). The palate follows well, and I get impressions of crisp gala apples, moist mellow pipe tobacco, orange–vanilla cream, and grilled fruit. A smoky and sweet tobacco-like finish with an impeccable alcohol burn lingers on the palate. The mouthfeel is simultaneously oily and cleansing. This is an afternoon dram, one that enlivens and refreshes the senses.