Nose

Fairly closed at first — the higher ABV slightly masks what’s going on. There’s a bit of tree sap and caramel. With water, lots more fruit comes through.

Palate

Big and chewy without water — a lot of oaky spice and treacle, with a touch of cooked apples. With water, there’s warm baked apple pie, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon French toast, and nutmeg.

Finish

Fairly drying without water.

Comment

Takes a while, and a good splash of water, but when it opens up it’s rewarding.