Taster

Nose: Very sharp. The alcohol is aggressive. Rich burnt caramel and toffee. Candied chestnuts. Hint of mushrooms

Palate: A hint of sweetness but the alcohol attacks the tongue, making it difficult to appreciate the taste. Lots of toasted oak

Finish: Warm, abrupt, lingering

Comment: Too high a strength. Water tones the alcohol down but enhance the bitterness as well

Score: 6.7

Taster

Nose: Ridiculously big, from colour to the intense nose (alcohol as well?). Cooked black fruit ,bloody steak, toffee, coconut oil. In time there's bitter chocolate and a touch of nut

Palate: Hot! Enormous array of flavours: almond, black cherry, firm oak, yet strangely, and surprisingly for one so large, superbly balanced.

Finish: Anise. Complex

Comment: This is as big as a buffalo, but the key is how all of these massive flavours (and alcohol) are brought together

Score: 8.7