Nothing quite like it

A "reaching home" dram – lobster pots and bonfire smoke drifting over an Islay beach; then cherry chocolate traybake and a malty bedtime drink. On the palate, that characteristic perfumed, floral smoke (there is nothing quite like it) – parma violets, brandy snaps, cinnamon buns and honeyed prawns. The reduced nose had peat sheds, rock pools and moules marinière (cooked on a makeshift barbeque among the dunes) with crusty bread and malty beer. The palate had cherries in syrup, choc chip cookies and coconut ‘volcano’ cakes, then a finish of cigar smoke, ash and subtle spices. A complex, balanced dram – subtle but sensational.