Taster

Nose: Sharp. The alcohol bites the nostrils. Varnish. Sour fruit. Overcooked\rmarmalade. Opens on sweeter notes.

Palate: Surprisingly sweet and smooth. Then a fizzy spicy wave invades the palate. But the alcohol is well mastered.

Finish: Soothing on marzipan. Quite lingering.

Comment: Needs to be tamed. Pour it, let it breathe and nose it after to avoid the\rsharpness of the alcohol. The palate is rewarding. Water enhances the wood notes and, funny enough, it is not needed in spite of the strength!

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Deep and slightly fungal: fresh mushroom, autumn woods, then Darjeeling tea. Needs serious dilution after which everything is heavy there's\rextra chestnut, cacao and coffee.

Palate: Heightened aromatics. When cut there's black balsam, attar of roses,\rTurkish Delight and maraschino.

Finish: Long and powerful.

Comment: When neat it's so strong it feels like your mouth is bleeding. Cut down, as\rever it's hugely impressive - but would anyone ever have more than one?

Score: 8.6