Taster

Nose: This offers the lot: sherry, fine pot still, lighter grains, a dash (but no more) of oak.

Palate: Firm, oily and spicy at first, then wonderful interlocked spice and sherry. A bittersweet heart.

Finish: Long, pretty lush, drying towards cocoa, vanilla and toast.

Comment: Never lets you down and offers the most old-fashioned and complex of Irish blended character. No nonsense but stunningly beautiful.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Leather-like. Saddlery. Orange skins.

Palate: Fruits, nuts, sugared almonds. Silky-smooth. Well-rounded.

Finish: Juicy. Lively. Late touch of peppery earthiness.

Comment: The aroma that I associate with a traditional Irish. A superb example for everyday drinking.

Score: 8