Taster

Nose: A big, intense heavy malt-rich nose with the cleanest of sherry backgrounds. Dark cherries and ripe plums.

Palate: Intriguingly deep; packed with grapey fruitiness. The malt clings to the mouth; the body is oily and full. A much lighter grain note thins it slightly.

Finish: Custard-cream sweetness gives way to drier grains plus some juniper on the very end.

Comment: A favourite. The sherry also has a kind of port-wood fruitiness to it, but it is the malt that is so memorable.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Polished oak.

Palate: Very lively. Sweet maltiness. Touch of vanilla, developing to a perfumy spiciness.

Finish: Falls away somewhat. Grainy.

Comment: Soothing. A touch of more-ish dryness.

Score: 7