Taster

Nose: Raspberry jam, tons of caramel and vanilla. Cinnamon and nutmeg, with peppermint. Toasted notes, rice pudding and coffee. Bay leaves.

Palate: Tiramisu, dark chocolate, chili peppers, and a heap of vanilla. Hint of elderflower cordial at the lighter end. Fabulously silky stuff, but overly woody. Water brings out black tea and wholemeal toast.

Finish: Long, warming, aggressive, bitter, with cloves and finally peppermint.

Comment: Potent stuff indeed, but it feels a little overcooked.

Score: 7.9

Taster

Nose: Coffee shop vibes, espresso grinds, fresh brew cappuccino and vanilla cream. Plum chutney and baked pork. A little metallic warming radiator, old dusty book shops, earthy like dunnage warehouses.

Palate: Cola cubes and black treacle. The oak really grips tight, lots of tannins, then tobacco ash and more vanilla.

Finish: A little rye spice, rich cream and then dries out with tannins. Still so much oak too.

Comment: A big, big Bourbon. The ABV is not an indicator of how much water to add, just needs a couple of drops and it blossoms out.

Score: 9