Taster

Nose: Intense and robust. Earthy and rooty. Toffee, orange peel. Sandal wood. Wood polish. Restrained sherry notes.

Palate: Sweet but tangy too. Full expression of sherry: lots of oak, burnt wood, citrus fruit and spices. Gingerbread.

Finish: Dry, oaky and nutty. Slightly bitter.

Comment: Sherry tends to overwhelm the palate. Persistent dryness. A good companion for coffee.

Score: 7

Taster

Nose: Lightly minty. Kendal mint cake.

Palate: Firm, smooth. Hard toffee. Golden syrup. Buttercream filling in a sponge-cake.

Finish: Bamboo-like dryness.

Comment: Well worth sampling, but don't expect anything fancy. This is a workaday malt.

Score: 7.5