Taster

Nose: Very linseedy, flowery and appetising.

Palate: Smooth, perfumy.

Finish: Mustard.

Comment: A classic Irish, though less full in flavour than Jameson.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Grainy from the off, but just a little more pot still sturdiness than of yore. A touch fruity but overall quite uninspiring.

Palate: Much more toffee-vanilla than in recent years; enormously soft and completely lacking richness.

Finish: Dries as the oak takes over; becomes even bitter.

Comment: An unwieldy blend which disappoints thanks to its refusal to offer anything but a grainy, almost metallic hardness against an uncomplex softness.

Score: 5