Taster

Nose: A dazzling array of oaky tones, but a drier, fruitier rye presence adds perfect balance. A softening sprig of mint compounds the complexity.

Palate: Opens evenly over the mouth: beautifully bitter sweet with the rye, toffee-cream oak.

Finish: Long, restrained age and some late rye and liquorice chewability. Unbelievably balanced and about as good as any bourbon gets.

Comment: Enticingly sophisticated.

Score: 9.5

Taster

Nose: Raisins. Boxes of dates. Oak.

Palate: Black chocolate. Milk chocolate. White chocolate.

Finish: Balancing nutty dryness.

Comment: The flavours may sound similar but it is the interplay of their subtleties that make this such an interesting whiskey. Try it with a double chocolate-chip cookie. Or a rocky road icecream.

Score: 8.3