Taster

Nose: An unreduced nose that starts with freshly turned earth. Exotic aromas emerge: Moroccan spices. Water reveals old apples in a fruit bowl.

Palate: Silky, soft and mouthfilling with rich fruit cake. All those exotic aromas return.

Finish: Long, warming, perfumed: cinnamon/nutmeg.

Comment: A huge mouthful that takes blended whisky onto a new level of exoticism. Shame about the packaging. Velvet pouches are so very camp.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: An expensive sweet-shop, with parma violets, pralines and cream toffees.

Palate: Big, silky. Juicy oak. Very sherryish. Developing peaty notes. Very complex.

Finish: Big with drier oakiness, more sherry, spicy esters, and fragrant smokiness.

Comment: In the rich, luxurious, style, this is a long established favourite of mine.

Score: 8.8