Taster

Nose: Oily, lightly piney, earthy, salty, dry.

Palate: Sweetish, soft, malty, oily, slowly developing a slight island dryness and saltiness.

Finish: A little malty sweetness and some saltiness.

Comment: A lovely aperitif.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Enormously fruity at first; a salad of under and overripe banana, raisin and apple. The malty notes are flat and lifeless by comparison, but offer balance.

Palate: Much more upfront, fresher malt than on the nose with a light, though chewy, oakiness. A spicy dryness offers some pizazz.

Finish: More oak and softer vanilla with a lingering maltiness.

Comment: Still a hit-and-miss dram, though this sample was simple and strictly middle of the road. Very quaffable all the same.

Score: 7.5