Taster

Nose: Very hot nose. Hints at peatiness. Wood ash mixed with freshly sawn timber: it's the shop floor of a cooperage.

Palate: Smoky and quite dry. The wood is a little exposed and the spirit is struggling to make itself heard above the cooper's hammers. All that comes out is a sweet spiciness...

Finish: ...which continues on the finish.

Comment: Lacks balance.

Score: 7.3

Taster

Nose: Biting. Alcohol teases the nostrils. Nature after a summer rain. Wet straw. Hint of squeezed orange. A slight cardboardy touch.

Palate: Sweeter than expected. The cardboard is more distinctive. Almond custard.

Finish: Dry, almost dour.

Comment: The nose is enticing but the palate rather restrained.

Score: 7.3