Taster

Nose: Bold, brash and smouldering. Some dark smoky notes, rich woodiness and some medicinal / menthol, tarry elements too. Water reduces the strength, but fortunately broadens the flavour, rather than washing it away. Nice.\n

Palate: Peppery at first, with menthol, hints of ashy smoke, some well balanced floral notes and toasted oak. \n

Finish: The smoke \nis teasing; not too dominant, but just making its \npresence known.

Comment: A well-rounded peaty beastie. Plenty of personality and enough power to give it some serious weight.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Intense, pungent aromas of herbal, coffeed sherry. Spicy with cinnamon, clove and coriander seed. A light Cognac-esque rancio appears. Water softens, bringing out orange and dried fruit.

Palate: Intense, with coffeed tannic wood notes. Raw but juicy with raisins and dried white grape. Neat, the alcohol is masking. Less intense with water, emphasises the juiciness. \n

Finish: Good length with lingering dried fruit, marzipan and coffee. \n

Comment: Now this is how I like my sherry matured whiskies, with a bit of age and oxidation notes to add character.

Score: 8.8