A very straightforward Islay malt, entirely matured in a first fill bourbon barrel. Twenty years in oak have tamed the peat smoke noticeably, while providing a noticeable tannic backbone. At the nose it’s farmy, with malty notes, vanilla, banana, and liquorice. The smokiness is subdued, and it expresses itself more as a dark leathery aroma. At the palate it starts quite tannic and herbal: no evident vanilla, very little fruitiness. While not sweet, it’s neither dry or sharp. Muscular, with notes of lemon peel, grapefruit and plenty of almonds. The peat is much more noticeable now, but still restrained for an Islay malt. The finale grows increasingly tannic, leathery, with unsweetened black tea and pepper.