An Undisclosed Islay Distillery 2007 BR

Here, ashy smoke swirls around dried fruits – figs, raisins and spiced dates – before giving way to a rich nuttiness of almonds, hazelnuts and nutmeg. The Sherry influence brings depth, its sweetness tempered by a subtle earthiness of tobacco leaf. A light dusting of icing sugar flits across the palate, offering contrast before the smoke reasserts itself in a long, smouldering finish. This is a bold yet balanced dram, where peat and Oloroso richness entwine. Felix Dear, Head of Spirits Management, Berry Bros. & Rudd