Taster

Nose: Boot polish, wrinkly red apples, brown bread, and the merest whiff of Marmite. Fruits of the forest, toffee, dark chocolate, candied ginger, and mixed nuts.

Palate: Full and robust. Dark chocolate-dipped blackberries, cola cube sweets, chewy toffees, and a little cranberry. A touch of fruity espresso. Cinnamon and lemon icing.

Finish: Medium-long. On toffee, then gently drying as tannins grip.

Comment: Quite an assertive cask influence, but the spirit carries it off well.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Peach and raspberry syrups. Gingersnap biscuit. Wholemeal loaf and damson jam. Apple juice and a hint of milky chai tea. Dark chocolate-coated orange peel and cinnamon sugar.

Palate: Medium-full. Apple and raspberry cordial, candied ginger, and treacle sponge pudding. The tannic bitterness of black tea and warming spice of chai. Hints of mushroom broth and bonfire smoke.

Finish: Medium. On the treacle sponge, with slight tannins.

Comment: Maintains a sticky richness despite the proof.

Score: 8.3