Taster

Nose: Clean. Melba toast.

Palate: Silky. Very sherryish, juicy.

Finish: Sherry trifle, with chocolate. Some balancing dryness.

Comment: Much more sherryish than the colour suggests. Sweet. Sponge fingers. I wouldn't have recognised it as a Ballantine's.

Score: 8.8

Taster

Nose: Gentle with a hint of light coal smoke/tar, balanced with soft rich fruit (apple/plum/cherry), sultana cake, cream toffee, citrus peel, heather, spice.

Palate: Soft with lovely feel which moves nicely in the mouth. Soft fruit/butter tablet mixed with citrus freshness and smoke drifting in and out.

Finish: Medium. Fruity.

Comment: Subtle and complex. A very gentle giant

Score: 8.3