Taster

Nose: Raisons and lemon peel. Possibly a hint of lime.

Palate: Creamy, nutty. Vanilla pod.

Finish: A faint suggestion of violets, then a crisp farewell. Perhaps both hint at the influence of cognac?

Comment: Cognac finishes seem to have achieved results that are, at best, mixed. In this instance, the contribution is less than obvious.

Score: 7.3

Taster

Nose: Malty and elegant. Rather simple and one-dimensional, but delightfully so.

Palate: Beautifully complex from the very start with delightful interplay between varying layers of malt and oak. Quite oaty and mealy.

Finish: Remains charmingly bittersweet with very soft vanilla.

Comment: Don't bother looking for cognac - you won't find it, just a delightful imperial.

Score: 9