Taster

Nose: Fragrant. Autumn fruit. Cider apples. Dried fruit. Raisins, apricot. Wood and fruit are harmoniously intertwined. On time, burnt caramel. And spices. Black pepper dust. A hint of treacle.

Palate: Dry and crisp. Oak is more prominent on the palate than on the nose. And so is alcohol. Fizzy sensation.

Finish: Dry and spicy, with an astringent note in the back.

Comment: This whisky needs water to cut the sharp edges! But water tends to enhance bitterness. The nose is more attractive than the palate for me.

Score: 7.6

Taster

Nose: Gorgeous heady autumnal notes, leaf mulch and drying tobacco. Plenty of dried fruit too. Spices build over time, treacle toffee and Parkin cake.

Palate: The oak shows through really strongly, gripping and drying. Lots of wood tannins and spices, stewed apples and dark chocolate.

Finish: Rich and spicy, the oak again dries out at the end.

Comment: Some really interesting things coming out of Aberfeldy at the moment, clearly some tasty stock they have hidden away up there.

Score: 8.2