Slightly more vegetal and drier than previous releases, and still so unmistakably Islay in style… perhaps even more because of the heavier accent on peat and maritime aromas. It is almost a textbook showcasing all the possible nuances of smoke: peat, of course, but also tar, wood and tobacco smoke, coal. At first it has a subtly sour and salty approach, then the malty chewy sweetness comes to the fore, but not as marked and buttery as in previous editions. This is not to say that it’s a threatening Islayer, because it’s always quite gentle in mouthfeel and attack, but simply that it’s a tiny bit more hot-tempered and “misbehaved” than expected. Sometimes we like to change our House Malt a bit… hopefully for the better!