Taster

Nose: Dry, with a metallic edge: hot tin cans, balloons, play-doh. Water doesn't improve things. Dry and spiritous.

Palate: Hot! There's also a strange vegetal note (cabbage/garden compost) and then sugar puffs. It's better than the nose, but the fermenting grass is a touch off-putting.

Finish: Light.

Comment: Has bags of intensity, but lacks quality, balance and integration.

Score: 6.3

Taster

Nose: Spirity, restrained. Herbal and lemony notes. Very tangy. In time, a nutty touch. Fresh crushed almonds.

Palate: Far sweeter than expected. Unexpected earthy notes. Crystallised parma violets. Harsh fizziness. A demerara sweet flavour at mid-palate.

Finish: Dry, tangy.

Comment: The sweetness on the palate can't tame the alcohol harshness. It has not benefited from the casks as its pale colour confirms.

Score: 7