Taster

Nose: Warm, nutty, spicy, cocoa, red peppers.

Palate: The sweetish aroma is a tease. The fruitiness and spiciness in the palate also sounds sweet, but the overall effect is surprisingly dry, thanks presumably to tannins from the oak.

Finish: Very minty. Peppermint. Warming. Long.

Comment: Beautifully combined flavours. I loved the younger version for its robust rye character, but this one certainly demonstrates the benefits of maturity.

Score: 8.8

Taster

Nose: A huge, intense, spicy nose which mixes rye bread, pepper, fennel, alongside roses, cherries and lovely smoky/vanilla/coconut notes from the oak.

Palate: A hint of sweetness, then a barrage of spices. Zesty, acidic, but with red fruit/hedgerow fruit and popping mustard seed, white pepper, poppy seed. Strikes a great balance between oak and spirit.

Finish: Fruity and spicy.

Comment: Drink this sitting down. A truly great rye.

Score: 8.5