Taster

Nose: Leather polish and an oily mechanical note. New York Cheesecake, with a crumbly biscuit base, then tarragon and lemon zest.

Palate: More of that old rich leathery note, followed by lemon cream cheese frosting on top of a vanilla cupcake. Herbal hints and a slight salinity, through to caramel.

Finish: Oily mechanical note continues through to a zingy hint on the long finish.

Comment: This certainly packs a punch, and although there is one big note, it is beautifully balanced out by complexity.

Score: 8.1

Taster

Nose: Wood smoke, satsuma peel, poached pears, coal dust and Greek yoghurt. Some green notes of cucumber and Granny Smith apple. Wholemeal bread, lime zest and beeswax, too.

Palate: Medium. Lots of smoke, with an ashy note – like ash-rolled soft cheese. Vanilla soft-scoop ice cream and some pear drop. Ginger heat intensifies with time.

Finish: Most flavours fade quickly, though the smoked fruit lingers.

Comment: Smoky and a touch hot, but pleasantly spirit-forward.

Score: 7.7