Taster

Nose: Not too prickly – menthol, aniseed, molasses. Water opens gentle sandalwood, toast, dried oranges, cinnamon and oatmeal.

Palate: Beautifully jammy – hedgerow fruits, blackberries. Elderberries, with coffee and bitter chocolate. Raspberries and vanilla. Chilli peppers. Tannic. Burnt toast with lime marmalade. Toffee fudge.

Finish: Dry, cloying, peppery and too much bitterness from wood.

Comment: A powerhouse of a Bourbon, yet managing impressive balance for the most part.

Score: 8.4

Taster

Nose: Massive, but not over powering, despite the ABV. Brown sugar-coated almonds, black treacle on rye bread. Plenty of spices here too and the note of incense during Christmas church service. Gum and corn.

Palate: All the fruit is here. Redcurrants, blueberries, raspberries, stewed apples and cinnamon. There's a wisp of smoke, a zip of lime and puckering brewed tea.

Finish: The wood takes front stage and spices ease through.

Comment: Velvety, despite the ABV. An approachable and drinkable Bourbon.

Score: 8.5