Taster

Nose: Juicy Fruit chewing gum, this has light tropical fruits all over it, backed with a good hit of vanilla ice cream.

Palate: The ABV isn't apparent as this is smooth as silk on the palate, hitting first with the vanilla flavour and moving swiftly towards delicate oak notes. With water this becomes a real drinker.

Finish: Slightly soft finish with a hint of tinned pineapple and grapefruit juice.

Comment: Dead easy to drink, neat. Even easier with water. Once opened, don't expect this to sit around. It demands to be poured and polished off. Not for sipping!

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: Crisp, grainy but subtle with oiled Guyana-esque dried fruit. Edgy and brittle oak vanillins; light sawdust intimation. As the oak begins to dominate, the aromas retain freshness.

Palate: Grippy and gritty American oak; hints of coffee. Sultana dried fruit follows with a touch of dried apricot. Alcohol and tannins build but the light oils balance. Just!

Finish: Superb finish. Back-end loaded. Herbal with a coal smoke note. Sweeter as the rum-like fruits burst through the drying, grainy tannins.

Comment: Is this a 25 year old grain whisky? It certainly feels like one. Very impressive.

Score: 8.5