Taster

Nose: Mature. Ever so slightly musty. Cognac-like nuttiness, some saddle soap, still a malty edge (draff).

Palate: Expands well in the mouth with light grip on the sides and almost blackcurrant sweetness in the middle before a bonfire smoke emerges. Dusty and slightly nutty.

Finish: Fresh and malty.

Comment: Have this without water. Hinting at complexity.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Crispy basil, nectarines, those foamy banana sweets, vanilla cream. Damp grass. Smoke from a fire made with damp logs. Lemon juice, peaches and Madeira cake.

Palate: More peaches and cream, toast and a wisp of woodsmoke.

Finish: Woody bitterness, like chewing a pencil.

Comment: A quality spirit standing up to a long maturation.

Score: 8.3