Taster

Nose: A big, rich, moderately mature, bourbony oak nose with hints of cereal, dusty spice, orange and dunnage. Juniper, honey and coffee; oak becomes luscious and creamy.

Palate: Crisper and sharper than the nose with barley, citrus and a light herbal note. A lot less oak! But still adding structure. Coffeed and gritty on the middle as the tannins emerge.

Finish: Long and herbal, dry finish as the citrus scythes its way through the oak. Peppery spice and coffee after-taste.

Comment: A whisky of two halves! Big and oaky on the nose but crisp and fresh on the palate.

Score: 8.1

Taster

Nose: Sweetened porridge and dark sugar caramel, but with a slightly acidic note to it. Light, creamy banoffee (especially the toffee), an unexpected floral note.

Palate: Bold, sweet malty notes, a bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate or black coffee, but without the fullness of flavour. The warmth lasts after the flavour has faded.

Finish: The bitterness from the palate continues and deepens to a malty, beer-like note with a hint of the chocolate cream.

Comment: A neat, unfussy whisky with good warmth and a clean, malty flavour.

Score: 6.3