Taster

Nose: Fresh and fruity. Strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants in orange sauce. Water brings herbal notes of peppermint and sage. Left to sit and fruit cake peeps through.

Palate: More wood than the nose, but only just. Purple Quality Street with hazelnut and caramel, with cranberry sauce, orange oils, raisins and sultanas.

Finish: Raisins, sultanas and nutmeg turn hot with red chilli, then menthol cools it all down.

Comment: Lots going on in this whisky that runs hot and cold.

Score: 7.6

Taster

Nose: Elegant, classic dried fruits: raisins and sultanas. Some lovely toasted fennel, with lime cordial and port. Leather. Ketchup.

Palate: Brilliant balance between tannic wood and dried fruits, raisins and sultanas. Redcurrants, gooseberries. Mouth-warming, balsamic vinegar tartness. Lime juice.

Finish: That perfectly balanced note between the wood spices and dried fruits goes on forever.

Comment: Well put together. Challenging (without excluding), lively and uplifting.

Score: 8.7