Taster

Nose: An unhurried display of ripe fruits. The sharpness of the pot-still always reminds me of a firm pure rye, only this is spicier.

Palate: More spice, though not before the early shock-waves of complex, mouth-watering barley notes.

Finish: Lingering sherry-toffee.

Comment: Remains an all-Ireland great and one of the few true pure pot still whiskies around. A treat for even the most experienced connoisseur.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Nutty oiliness. Nuts and sultanas in a fruitcake.

Palate: Tangerines. Brazil nuts. Toasted almonds. Sherry. Lots of flavour development. Complex, but slightly less rich than I remember.

Finish: Vanilla. Spicily warming. Long.

Comment: Those oily, cakey aromas still have me hankering for a weekend in Dublin. Tea and cakes at the Shelbourne, then off to the Horseshoe Bar for the first whiskey of the evening.

Score: 8.8