Taster

Nose: Furniture polish, recently stained wood, some chocolate, orange peel, red berries and a whisper of eucalyptus.

Palate: A texture like satin – gorgeous. Warming, but not unpleasantly so, with caramel, almonds, date sponge, chocolate and dried figs, plus some numbing anise.

Finish: Blackberries and a bit of a burn. This smoulders for some time.

Comment: Like a hug in a high-ABV mug (which is the exact-sized receptacle I’d like to enjoy this in).

Score: 8.1

Taster

Nose: Cherries galore, with a streak of menthol. Bourbon-esque. Dates and dried figs – yes, muscovado sugar, molasses. Port, ginger and nutmeg. Raisins. Mince pies.

Palate: Cherries lead again with port and balsamic vinegar. Water knocks back the black pepper and chilli heat to bring dried cranberries, coffee, Turkish Delights, cinnamon and raisins.

Finish: Dry, tannic, cherries and cola, with redcurrant tartness, coffee and syrup.

Comment: A potent, tasty whisky. A shade unbalanced, but I like it a lot.

Score: 7.9