Taster

Nose: Grassy, herbal. Orange like in Cointreau. Candied angelica. Oatcakes. A touch of caramelised demerara sugar.

Palate: Very spirity and tangy. A note of corked spirit and must.

Finish: Spicy, liquoriced.

Comment: The alcohol bite is assertive, on the nose as on the palate. And water does not make it much more palatable.

Score: 7

Taster

Nose: Mature notes: dunnage warehouse, discreet nuttiness. Water brings out its real substance. Oily and strangely, funkily, sweet.

Palate: Extremely sweet: elderflower and icing sugar, milk chocolate. With water, orange Spangles, pink marshmallow. Light grip.

Finish: Medium, oaky.

Comment: It's in the twilight of its autumn, but has subtle complexity and less of the overt sweetness that old grains usually exhibit.

Score: 8