Taster

Nose: Venison with cranberries, menthol, builder’s tea; this is a more developed nose than most whiskies in its class.

Palate: Velvety soft, this is an ultra-relaxing dram, with blackcurrant, vanilla and a touch of kiwi. Very complex.

Finish: Some spices to give a dry finish; a hint of vanilla and blood orange.

Comment: Very well produced and aged, this has a smoothness rarely seen in releases from this category.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Intense, brittle, peppery rye spices. Hints of Seville orange; marmalade to begin with, then perfumed oak. The rye is stunning and with time an earthy note appears with dusty, cocoa powder tannins and Colombian coffee.

Palate: Also opens with light, herbal and brittle rye spices. Mocha and bitter oak follow. Drying towards the middle with those herbal notes building in intensity.

Finish: Good length with the herbal rye lingering; the oak gently bittering.

Comment: The clarity of the rye is absolutely stunning. If it turns out that there’s no rye here then I’m a Dutchman!

Score: 9.1