Taster

Nose: A warming and soothing start to things, fresh gingerbread, apple compote and pears in cider. Over-stewed Oolong tea with sugared shortbread slices, and a little strawberry jam too.

Palate: Plenty of earthy notes here, roasted hazelnuts and toasted coconut pieces. There’s a leathery, cigar note to this with spicy mature oak and dark chocolate with orange oil.

Finish: Those spices start to push forward to create a warming and prickly finish that dries with sourdough toast.

Comment: The liquid equivalent of opening a freshly stocked humidor.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Shy at first, but opens up to reveal plenty of orchard fruits simmering in sherry. Applesauce with cinnamon. Buttery biscuit base and golden syrup. Pipe tobacco and faint bramble notes. With time comes milk chocolate and nougat.

Palate: Nicely balanced. Those orchard fruits are back with a suggestion of tart blackberry. There’s cashew and raisin too, with more milk chocolate and orange boiled sweet.

Finish: Long, rich and fruity to the end.

Comment: Elegant and with great presence. I’d buy this.

Score: 8.9