Taster

Nose: Intense, a bit spirity. Oak prevails. Cedar wood. Cranberries. Sultanas. Opens on baking aromas. Red plum tart. Buttery and earthy as well. Unusual. In time lots of vanilla syrup.

Palate: Crisp but the alcohol is well mastered. Sweet dark fruit. Cooked damson plums. Dark chocolate with dried fruit.

Finish: Slightly fizzy. Fades away on an astringent note like walnut skin.

Comment: On the oaky side but lots of fruit as well. The alcohol is well controlled.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Candy floss and sugar sweets then someone opens the humidor door and it's all cedar wood and drying tobacco. Autumn leaves. Melting butter and honey flapjacks.

Palate: Honey cornflakes with a hint of Brazil nuts, rapeseed oil. Then the spices build, fig pudding.

Finish: Long and warming with a little blackcurrant syrup.

Comment: Unravel is the word; take a little time to work through the layers of flavour. Great stuff.

Score: 8.7