Colour: Pale amber.
Nose: Certainly the most ‘Ileach’ of all five at first nosing, and the most ‘caramelly’ as well. Quite a bit of sulphur. That may come from the very high alcohol, so with water: once again, we aren’t too far from the last distillery on Kildalton here. Peaty, tarry, fruity (cider apples, lemons) and the most coastal of them all (seashells). Hints of paraffin.
Mouth (neat): Maybe the better balanced despite its high strength – or so it seems. Very spectacular notes of ‘earthy leather’, with a very nice bitterness. With water: again and again, we’re on Islay, with big tarry and liquoricey notes mixed with apple compote and quite some salt. On second thought, we may be on Skye.
Finish: Very long, with more pepper.