Taster

Nose: Surprisingly approachable for the strength, but many flavours trapped: elderberries, dark chocolate, Turkish Delight. Lashings of vanilla.

Palate: The cherries dominate, with cranberry sauce, blackberries and raspberries masked by some overpowering, cloying tannins – it’s too woody – with spearmint and fennel liberated by water.

Finish: Short, spicy, with cinnamon and crème brûlée.

Comment: A bit bland, brutish, blunt whisky, but nice enough.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Big, bold and yet pretty easy on the nose. An explosion of rose water, dark chocloate and fresh cut vanilla pods. A touch of cherry pie and custard too. But a twist of fresh cut peonies waits just at the end.

Palate: Pretty much follows on from the nose, the high ABV doesn't really make its presence felt. All the dark fruits abound. Plenty of wood derived tannins and vanilla notes here too.

Finish: Punchy with all those fruits and hints of spice leaving a mark.

Comment: A fist wrapped in floral velvet.

Score: 8.3