Taster

Nose: Fragrant, intense. Fruity. Greengage. Vanilla biscuits. Gets creamier in time. Almond and pear tart. A refreshing touch of fresh oak. Aromas are pleasantly intertwined.

Palate: Smooth, oak is well integrated. Custard and apricots. A light spicy fringe. Lacks a little muscle though.

Finish: Drying, green oak shows up.

Comment: A well balanced dram. Would have got more nerve with a bit of extra strength.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Malty and a little oily: mash tun, bran, bracken and moor. Though there's some soft characters (toasted pineapple, whole nut chocolate, tangerine marmalade) it has a hard edge. Rather blunt.

Palate: Less dry. Sweet, creamy, toffee start, then freshly oiled oak, shoe polish and a sudden drying.

Finish: Toasted cereal.

Comment: Decent, but you get the feeling it needs more time to soften down.

Score: 7.3