Taster

Nose: That damp dunnage warehouse note, wood and alcohol. There is a resinous qualitly to this, thick pine almost camphor. Hints of Danish pasties with apricot jam.

Palate: Bags of oak here, a tannic, drying edge. Almost meaty, tomato stalks. The alcohol needs taming with water to bring out some creamy vanilla sweetness.

Finish: Rich and warming with a little nutty edge.

Comment: Once you back the alcohol down with a little water this starts to reveal some hidden pleasures.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Earthy, fungal. With a sour fruit note. Granny smith. Pine needles. Damp wood. Vanilla slowly rises up. Shortbread. A floral note with water.

Palate: Sweet at first then the oak grip plus the alcohol give a sherbety sensation on the tongue. Nearly numbing. Chestnut purée. More oak with water.

Finish: Warm, dry, spicy.

Comment: The alcohol is not well mastered. Difficult, as if you add water, you go too far on the oak side.

Score: 7.5