Taster

Nose: A little faded with touches of autumn leaves, bung cloth, unripe mango, (bread crust on a Scottish plain loaf). Alcohol in balance. With water there's more overt oak and a hint of condensed milk.

Palate: Dense and full but a balance struck between sweet and sour flavours: grape syrup, sugared almond, red apple. Smooth with good grip.

Finish: Spice, chestnut, overripe pear.

Comment: Greater depth and apparent maturity than you'd expect from a 12 Years Old.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Oaky, sappy. An unpleasant cheesy aroma. Opens on nicer toffeeish notes.

Palate: Mellow. Sweet maltiness. But bitterness soon becomes insistent. Hot spices.

Finish: Warm. Dry, slightly astringent.

Comment: Lacks elegance and complexity. Oak dominates, with a bitter grip. Water does not help.

Score: 7