SMoS Director’s Special 22 Year Old Laphroaig 1998

NOSE – Initially, heapings of spiced plum chutney and blackberry compote. This is accented by a touch of smoke from bonfire embers and plenty of sticky, smoked chipotle glaze. Lastly, vanilla-infused tobacco leaves appear.

PALATE – Crunchy maple syrup brittle coats the palate, followed immediately by a spoon of date conserve. Steaming peppermint tea arrives, served with crumbly ginger snaps. This eases on to a glass of decadent cherry wine and a slice of spongy pain d’épices.

FINISH – Sooty smoke is at its most intense on the finish, mingling with smoked trout blinis. Sea-salted caramel and earthy brown soda bread linger to the end.