Taster

Nose: Oh, boy. This is a treat. A kaleidoscope of aroma, starting with banana bread, moving into Cognac richness, over to peach melba and settling on dusty \nantique furniture.

Palate: My hope was that the palate would be as exciting as the nose, and the initial response is good: cherry jam, oolong tea and rare steak smothered in butter give this a really regal feel.

Finish: Cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of strawberry jam.

Comment: Covers a lot of bases, but maintains balance. The Quantum Leap of whisky; let's hope it's next leap is into my glass.

Score: 8.9

Taster

Nose: Great Nose! Dry, herbal and smoky with sweet orange, hints of menthol and eucalyptus. Earthy, gritty coffee tannins. Gentle smoke in the background. In time a touch of lanolin, dry spice and straw appears.

Palate: Very grainy and tannic. Coffee, treacle, molasses, menthol and dried tea leaves. Cold tea-like with metallic astringency; water emphasises these notes.

Finish: Intense, alcoholic and mouth puckering. Herbal with the alcohol masking. Raisinated fruit comes through. Diluted it’s dry with a coffee note.

Comment: Great nose, but downhill from there for me.

Score: 6.8