Taster

Nose: Sweet and creamy, with icing sugar, elderflower cordial and sage. Banana milkshake powder and nectarine segments, then a hint of ginger powder.

Palate: Really herbal and fruity. A rich dark fruitcake, with chocolate raisins, cherries and orange peel – almost rummy. Then ginger powder, sage, white grapes and tree bark.

Finish: The finish is more tree bark, then ginger heat that lingers.

Comment: It has just enough complexity to be a fun sipper – I would love to see a bit more life from the finish.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Sweet grain notes: frosted wheat cereal, malted barley. A delicate grassiness, with icing sugar, honey water and ripe pear. Subtle sawn oak and vanilla extract.

Palate: Light bodied. Sweet and creamy. Apple crumble with custard, fromage frais and fresh blueberries. Banana yoghurt.

Finish: Medium. Sweet vanilla syrup gives way to fresh green apple.

Comment: A relatively uncomplicated and easy-going dram, but a perfectly servicable blend. Could do with a bit more ‘oopmh’.

Score: 7.6