Taster

Nose: A sense of aged casks here at first, baked lemons, vanilla pods and candied oranges. A savoury edge with Yorkshire puddings and creamy mash potatoes appears.

Palate: That savoury edge is still here, Fig Newtons, date slices with golden syrup and roasted hazelnuts. There’s a gentle spice note and woodsmoke.

Finish: Hits you first with a ton of sweetness then dries swiftly leaving a grainy edge.

Comment: This is a great Speysider; the ABV doesn’t seem to kick at all, suggesting carefully curated maturation.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Waxy orange skin, then cookie dough and pancake batter with rum ‘n’ raisin ice cream.

Palate: A wintry buffet of afternoon tea treats: shortcake, gingerbread biscuits and a slice of nutty Christmas pudding. Orange peel and lemon oil lift the honeycomb sweetness and oak spice.

Finish: Dry and biscuity.

Comment: I would recommend adding a few drops of water to experience that buffet. Pass the biscuits.

Score: 8.4