Taster

Nose: Tickling. Quite spirity. Citrus and vanilla. Syllabub. Lemon drops. Gooseberry. Sugar cane.

Palate: Sweeter than expected from the strength. Rum-like: sugar, pineapple, pepper. Then candied chestnut. Rhubarb and ginger jam. Slightly fizzy.

Finish: Long, rich and spicy.

Comment: Very disconcerting. So rum-like on the palate. Highly spirited on the nose.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Oozing sweetness. Rich oak, red apple. Water mellows it moving it into rum like territory, tropical fruits, toasted coconut, popcorn, orange oil.

Palate: Syrupy and concentrated. Layers of oak and subtle (tropical) fruits, pine and light cereal.

Finish: Crisp and clean.

Comment: Well balanced. Plenty of American oak but the smooth spirit carries through well.

Score: 8.5