Taster

Nose: Very fragrant, violets and honey. A great nose.

Palate: Not surprisingly, some flat, oaky notes, but the honey, robust maltiness, and a tinge of smoke hold together to make this work rather well.

Finish: Drying sherry and oak, ultimately quite bitter and tannic.

Comment: Just about holds its own against the effects of excessive age. On the cusp!

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Plenty of wood. Plasticene, emulsion paint and amyl nitrate. Water reveals toasted oak, rich dried fruits, cumin/coriander powder.

Palate: Soft demerara sweetness. Toasted almond, grilled nut. Acquires some elegance, almost Cognac like. A floral, pot pourri note. Grippy oak.

Finish: Marzipan. Almond slices.

Comment: Strange nose but good flavours.

Score: 7.5