Taster

Nose: Pear, specifically Williams and Conference, and pear drops. Sweet and savoury spices – vanilla, and turmeric. Water releases lovely stone fruit aromas.

Palate: Soft and fresh, with orchard fruits drizzled in evaporated milk and vanilla ice-lollies with sawdust. Sticky hops sidle into the fray. Water tempers slightly, bringing \r\nsome nectarine.

Finish: Slightly bitter, sticky and green, accompanied by nectarine.

Comment: For goodness' sake, I got the hoppy, hoppy shake…

Score: 7.6

Taster

Nose: Very waxy, with polish and heaps of oranges, orchard \r\nfruits and toffee. A \r\ndirty, smoky quality that gives way to honey-glazed ham.

Palate: Wonderful notes of baked apples in cinnamon, nutmeg, heather honey – and very waxy. Oranges, grapefruits, slightly acidic. Milk chocolate and cashew nuts. Cloves. Hint of pepper and lime juice.

Finish: Long, peppery, with polish, oranges and plenty of oiliness.

Comment: A slippery fellow and too much \r\nof one thing, but a charmer nonetheless.

Score: 7.7