This feisty Islay whisky surges from the glass on a gale of sooty peat, turf, iodine and lanolin oils. Herein lies great complexity, unlocked by a teaspoon or so of water and a little time. Those with patience are rewarded with rich farmyard aromas, smoked hay, damp earth and kippers. The palate follows this theme, flowing from pure turf smoke to dark orange chocolate and composting fruit. Smoke and spice flow in waves on the long finish.

The small Hebridean island of Islay is famous for heavily peat-smoke flavoured malt whiskies. Beyond the obvious peatiness, each Islay whisky offers its own signature. This classic expression uses the “trade name” Williamson and hails from the island’s south coast.