Taster

Nose: Sappy tannins, crystallised ginger, and a fruit cake. A lint medical note and some smoke. Water brings up some new sawn oak, a raisiny sweetness and more spice.

Palate: A big, sappy, woody palate with barley sugars, smoke and ginger wine.

Finish: Tannic and smoky.

Comment: Intensely flavoured, but while it shouted very loud I didn't necessarily enjoy everything it had to say.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Melting butter and smoke. A smouldering bonfire. Smoked ham. Complex with notes of date and a touch of wood.

Palate: Interesting interplay between toasted nut, caramel, apple wood smoke. Great length and complexity though it is better neat.

Finish: Sweet oak and long.

Comment: This has balance. Like it.

Score: 8