Taster

Nose: Fresh leather, boot polish then sweet runny honey with a biscuty base. Toast and whole honeycomb, a rhubarb and vanilla custard note. Gentle smoke, like smoked haddock served a couple of tables over.

Palate: Gorgeous sweetness, then toffee apples. Stewed peaches and vanilla pods. That gentle smoked edge.

Finish: Clean and the alcohol doesn’t hit too much. Water teases the smoke out. Toasted hazelnuts.

Comment: Certainly works on several levels and that smoke note is gorgeous. Brilliant.

Score: 8.4

Taster

Nose: Caramelised apples, with brown sugar and cinnamon. An apple pie where the edges have caught in the oven. Served up with honey and vanilla custard on top.

Palate: Oak spice up front, but as it fades out some delicate fruits come through. Vanilla and charcoal. Water brings the fruit forward and apricot comes to the fore.

Finish: Worth a drop or two of water to really make this one stand out. Otherwise, long with wooded spices.

Comment: Water goes a long way, while the nose is excellent.

Score: 7.6