Taster

Nose: Very fresh vanilla. Syrupy. Spearmint. Anis.

Palate: Soft, smooth, texture. Very fruity indeed. Begins very sweet, like tropical fruits in custard, then becomes drier and rooty.

Finish: Big, robust.

Comment: Despite the 'Old', a new rye. The idea was to get closer to what the first American ryes might have been. I like the idea. Wins points for all-rye character and assertiveness.

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: Aggressively young and feisty with high-toned, perfumed notes of lemon, new make, nut and honey.

Palate: Though intense, young and lean it sits nicely in the mouth thanks to the high proof. The rye fizzes like space dust.

Finish: Bone dry. Young.

Comment: Too immaculate for today's palate? Well-made, it's evident complexity needs more time to emerge fully. Bartenders love it, but is that down to its scarcity and price?

Score: 7.8