Entirely matured in ex bourbon wood (including the final 5 years in a first fill hogshead), this is a mature and complex Islay single malt. Its age shows in the subtler and gradual development: no sharp smoky attack at the nose, but a refined revelation that takes its time with its darker tarry aromas and the peat unfolding a bit at a time on a background of vanilla and cereals. At the palate it shows extreme length and complexity, with a chewy and creamy smokiness. But we also immediately find bananas, yellow apples, liquorice root, and a pleasant salty note… of green olives. It then grows ashier, alternatingly waxy and mineral, and constantly showing newer nuances. The finale is very long, salty, with a satisfying growth of the peat smoke that matches the malty creaminess in a very relaxing way.