Taster

Nose: Perfumed. Soft and fruity. Blackberry, treacle toffee. A big smoky bear of a drink.

Palate: Soft and powerful, caramelised sugars, fruit and spices: cumin/sandalwood.

Finish: Chocolate and honey.

Comment: Less thick than Baker's and better balanced. Another great cocktail bourbon. Big and rich.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Aromatic. Maple syrup.

Palate: Light-bodied. Very firm. Chewy. Rooty. Emphatic liquorice sweets.

Finish: Winey. Faintly cidery. Tannic. A hint of char. Distinctly dry.

Comment: Teasing interplay of sweetness and dryness, with the latter eventually winning.

Score: 8