Taster

Nose: Glacé cherries, poached pears, milk chocolate, vanilla, and gingery fudge. \nFinally, mangos and sweet sherry.

Palate: Voluptuous mouth-feel, with spicy fruit, developing ginger and cinnamon, plus caramel and a hint of marzipan.

Finish: Dries quite slowly to liquorice and dark chocolate.

Comment: The first NAS Chivas Regal, and with a greater emphasis on sherry wood than usual. A valuable addition to the line-up.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Distinctly woody: sandal wood, pine resin and cedar in particular, alongside honey and marzipan.

Palate: Lots of Christmas pudding flavours to savour: rich stewed fruits, and sweet sherry spice.

Finish: Long and rich, with a hint of spice at the end.

Comment: Rich and sweet: a great after-dinner dram.

Score: 8.1