Taster

Nose: Full sherry notes: roasted almond/dry amontillado. Rich and generous with fruity malt behind smoky wood.

Palate: Nutty, raisined, sultana flavours dominate. Sweet and chewy yet nutty.

Finish: The sherry softens slightly.

Comment: Drier and nuttier than the port, but again the finish is in charge.

Score: 6.8

Taster

Nose: More distillery character in that touch of smokiness. Slightly vegetal.

Palate: Creamier. Apricot. Seville orange peels. Orange-and-ginger marmalade. Very expressive.

Finish: Spicy. Dusty. Like powdered nutmeg or cinnamon.

Comment: The flavours hang together better in this version, and I favour it over the port finish, but by too narrow a margin to score.

Score: 7.3