Uncompromising in its bold flavours and as natural as it comes, this Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 16 has made its way from the storm-lashed Islay in West Scotland, all the way to your dram glass, exactly as it was poured from the barrel. Bottled at a punchy 58.5% abv.

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Nose: Sweet, stewed apples topped with crispy, slightly caramelized pastry. This is underpinned by hints of cereal, tanned leather and vanilla.

Palate: Sweet and spicy notes, with notes of vanilla and sea salt intermingled with savoury notes of pork crackling with hints of freshly ground black pepper.

Finish: Long and warming with notes of gentle spice, charred oak, smoked mackerel and sea salt encapsulated in an oily mouthfeel.