Taster

Nose: Intense, balsamic. Pine needle. Dry Sylvester herbs. Pear nectar. Honeycomb.

Palate: Bitter/sweet. Crushed hazelnuts, touch of liquorice. A dry and clean freshness.

Finish: Clean and fresh with a pleasant spicy bite.

Comment: A beautifully balanced Highlander. Serious, reliable, pleasantly displaying a good array of flavours. Maybe the wine cask has imparted more intensity.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Initial toffee with spicy pungency, settles down with chocolate, crème brûlée and fruitcake.

Palate: Soft, silky with a subtle range of sweet crème brûlée, poached fruit, citrus freshness, before butterscotch and light cappuccino creamyness with underlying spicy oak.

Finish: Poached fruit and caramel sauce lead to distinct maltiness.

Comment: Opens up with a measured pace, but also takes some unexpected turns.

Score: 7.3