The Panel were greeted by a delightful, gentle, sweet wood smoke – possibly a couple of burning magnolia trees in full bloom – plus the scent of a chamomile lawn crushed beneath bare feet. Delicate and so beautifully balanced, this was breath-taking, like an arabesque in ballet. This position always dazzles the judges, and rest assured this dram dazzled the Panel. We all agreed it was better neat, as one Panellist imagined grilling nectarines over a beach wood fire with pecorino and honey. Following reduction, we found pipe tobacco stored in a leather pouch as well as menthol cigarette ash, while to taste we enjoyed smoked bacon with avocado and coriander.