Taster

Nose: Manuka honey, boot wax, leather, overripe mango, and molasses. Under this, vanilla essence, walnuts, and a whiff of balsamic.

Palate: Light-medium. Lightly spiced mead. Apricot jam, baked red apples and pears, and a delicate mushroom and walnut note with time on the palate. Burnt sugar and a little lemon juice. Sweet soy, too.

Finish: Medium-long. The mead subsides and the sweet soy note becomes pronounced.

Comment: The burnt sugar and soy notes remind me of the Japanese dessert mitarashi dango.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Honey-nut cornflake cereal, sawn oak, a little woody scented candle, dried apricot and apple pieces, and golden-syrup flapjack. A fresh floral note, and hints of orange, vanilla buttercream, and white chocolate.

Palate: Medium bodied. Honey-nut cereal note continues, sweetened by golden raisins. Vanilla crème brûlée and a crunchy sugar top. Savoury breadiness, like fresh rolls, and acacia honey.

Finish: Medium, on the honey and returning dried apple.

Comment: Feels quite breakfast-like.

Score: 8.0