Taster

Nose: An old fortified wine cellar - either Malaga or Jerez. Pitch and tar and concentrated oxidised fruits even a hint of cheese rind. Intense.

Palate: Firm and tannic with bitter edges.

Finish: Tight and hard.

Comment: Fascinating though the nose is there's just too much cask here which pushes everything towards the bitter end of the flavour spectrum.

Score: 7

Taster

Nose: Rich, dark. Obviously an old timer. Exotic wood. Marmite. Candied prunes. Soft spices.

Palate: Astringent and bitter. Wood has pumped up all the maltiness, and it does not 'taste'

Finish: Lingering. Very perfumy. Rosehips and Turkish delight.

Comment: Again, wood has taken the lead and the balance is lost. But there is a lot of charm in that old piece of history. So difficult to score.

Score: 8