Taster

Nose: Rich, Oloroso influenced. Dark, dried fruits, black olive tapenade. Whiff of fragrant smoke even a touch of tomato ketchup.

Palate: Very sherried (Bristol Milk) and thick. Spirit a little muted.

Finish: Sweet then becomes tannic.

Comment: Big and rich, but where's the whisky?

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Huge, mellow, buttery, sweetish, sherry.

Palate: Big-bodied and drying. Treacle toffee, coconut, rhubarb, vanilla.

Finish: Some bitterness and a late salty tang.

Comment: Springbank is a big whisky but the sherry here is even bigger, and wipes out some of the whisky's subtleties.

Score: 8.3