The Lord of the Isles was originally bottled in 2001, and unofficially, it was released as an approximately 25 year old whisky, comprised of 1976 and 1977 casks. It is said to always contain casks from 1976 and 1977 so the whisky would be older as each bottling run was released. Much like the Ardbeg 17, the actual age of Lord of the Isles increases towards the end of its bottling life. Theoretically, the LOTI in 2007 was almost 30 years old. Nose: Deep, rich and sweet: the sweetness of chocolate, marzipan and cherries surrounds a deep and peaty centre revealing the warmth of leather and a heady oily characteristic. Beneath the oil, cocoa and a rich maltiness are discovered.With water, the flavour spectrum is widened as both smoke and salt emerge from the sweet and peaty complexity giving woodsmoke, tarry rope and leather. Later, the delicacy of mandarin fruit is discovered, followed by hints of heather and lavender scent. Taste: Powerfully peaty and chewing, with a luscious silky and oily mouth-feel balanced by a mouth-watering effect. The taste is initially sweet with vanilla and chocolate giving way rapidly to a crescendo of peat and cocoa. Finish: Long and dry with chocolate malt and crushed peat resting satisfyingly on the palate