Bottled at cask strength to preserve its sheer power, it’s an uncompromising Islay malt with all the fury of the sea and the deep, dark intensity of peat smoke. Almost brutal if tasted straight, it offers a chewy body, and an explosive experience: plenty of liquorice, a dry attack of lemony rinds, and then an enveloping smokiness. Tarry and very ashy, only for the brave. But try to slowly add a few drops of water until you reach your comfort zone… The untamed beast gradually becomes docile, unfolding an unexpected creamy background from the malt. It remains rich and huge, with a thick mouthfeel, only sweeter and rounder, and the robust peat starts to show some delicately flowery and perfumed nuances: a gentle soul hidden in a monster.