Rounded and smoky - like burning Applewood - with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg's classic fragrance lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked herbs. An Oa gives a final subtle reminder of the sea with briny notes and seaweed but always accompanied with creaminess. A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg & cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Wood is always present in the spirit, gently nutty and reminiscent of a carpenter's workshop. A long, sweet finish, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty biscuit notes.

The Bladnoch Bicentennial Release has been matured for 29 years in Oloroso Sherry casks and finished in Moscatel casks for a final 18 months. Only 200 bottles were made to celebrate 200 years, making this an extremely rare release. Colour: Chestnut gold. Nose: Lovely rich old Sherry aromas, acacia, honey, beeswax, orange, fruitcake, a whiff of coffee and a hint of chocolate. Palate: Soft and silky Sherry flavours. Dark chocolate, ginger, spicy citrus notes, balanced oak and a hint of ground black pepper. Finish: Warming with a hint of honeyed spiciness. Satisfying and long.