Taster

Nose: Weighty and rich: cumin powder, sweet orange peel (and pulp), bitter chocolate torte. Water melts the chocolate and orange together.

Palate: Very dense and fungal, suggesting maturity. Lightly smoked with tannins and a citric/marmalade fruitiness. Balanced and complex.

Finish: Long, soft and raisined.

Comment: Big and powerful but with sufficient character to cope. Another cracker from Rothes.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Fennel, stewed plums and rhubarb, Juicy Fruit chewing gum, and blackcurrant.

Palate: Complex combination of maltiness (brown toast), wet grass, toffee and cooked fruit.

Finish: Tannins and even a little woodsmoke.

Comment: Impressive, complex Speyside with a pleasing body.

Score: 8.5