Taster

Nose: Rich fruit cake notes, cherries, candied peel, hazelnut and pistachio, creamy rice pudding and toasted brioche buns.

Palate: Buttery, with caramel sauce and warming cinnamon notes. Fruit loaf with syrupy cherries, jam tarts, shortcrust pastry and a little tobacco.

Finish: Hazelnut, raisins, dark chocolate-coated caramels and warming cinnamon on the medium finish.

Comment: A real sweet treat, something I want to drizzle over my fruit loaf and enjoy in all its rich glory.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Intense Christmas candle: clove, candied orange, cinnamon stick, fir tree. Bramble jam, raisins, and prune bars. Lemon oils and pineapple juice in the top notes.

Palate: Medium bodied. Blackberry cordial, dark chocolate and peppermint. The spices are present but restrained, delicate tannins add structure. A little white pepper and cranberry.

Finish: Medium, with gingerbread.

Comment: A well-balanced and immensely enjoyable bourbon with some real complexity.

Score: 8.3