Taster

Nose: A little tight at first then comes masses of honeycomb, fresh vanilla pods and maturing tobacco leaves. A hint of mint.

Palate: Soft and mellow and just a little oily. More fruit than the nose, chocolate raisins and sugared lemon peel. Salted malt loaf.

Finish: Dry slowly with distant bonfires.

Comment: If this is the last release, as is rumoured, what a way to go.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Brine, lemon, black pepper, pine cones and wood smoke.

Palate: Beautifully matured, rich and sumptuous, with apple pie and stem ginger.

Finish: Medium in length, with a sprinkling of pepper and fading soft smoke.

Comment: An old-fashioned classic!

Score: 9.2