Gorgeous colour and an immediate impact of sherry-related aromas: dried fruits, figs macerated in dark rum, strong black tea, crème caramel, polished oak and waxed leather – the image of a classic yacht sprang to mind. The taste is bitter-sweet, with burnt salt taffy and ginger cake, but also herbal and spicy notes (tarragon and mouth snuff) and chilli chocolate in the long finish. Immediate sulphur notes with water, but these soon give way to crème brulée, fruit cake, dried figs and old furniture. Still bitter-sweet to taste (burnt raisins, caramel); at once cooling and warming, with a hint of blackcurrant in the finish. The distillery was built by a very large man named John Smith.