Taster

Nose: Like a bakery window full of sweet pastries, an apricot Danish with a hint of icing sugar, then pitted dates and mascarpone. Then a tang of red wine vinegar and maple syrup.

Palate: Back with the pastry, but this time it’s more like a red berry–filled doughnut, followed by grilled peaches with whipped cream. It’s very fresh.

Finish: Freshness lingers with more of the red berries and a hint of wood spice tickling.

Comment: This is getting me in the mood for a summer picnic full of sweet treats and (hopefully) sunshine.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Blackcurrant bubble gum, lime cordial and tutti-frutti ice cream. A little prickly, with gingerbread, cinnamon and nutmeg. Coconut ice and pear drops.

Palate: Concentrated blackcurrant candy and mixed candied peels, with candied raisins and sultanas – like mincemeat filling. This gives way to pear pie, black cherry and cloudy apple juice.

Finish: Medium. Fades on fresh blackberries and ripe pear, with sweet pastry.

Comment: Hot, but not as hot as the ABV suggests. Flavourful and moreish.

Score: 8.3