Taster

Nose: Quick spiciness, then linseed and leather. Cedar. Body very rich for a grain whisky.

Palate: Smooth. Sweetish. Emphatic, lingering, milk chocolate. Developing a gentle, toasted-almond, dryness.

Finish: Firm. Soothing.

Comment: I've always had a soft spot for this distillery's Black Barrel, and I like this version even more. Not very complex - but it is a grain whisky.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Great legs. Intense and quite oily, this marries sweet and savoury beautifully. Spice galore. with soft caramelised fruit, plum/prune and treacle.

Palate: Elegant and smooth. A woody start then a luscious, spicy mid-palate like cinnamon buns slathered with butter.

Finish: Clove, all spice, cinnamon. Spicy!

Comment: Superb. Let's have more quality grain like this.

Score: 9