Taster

Nose: Smokiness that is like creosote, cooking fish over hot coals, then forest floor with pine needles scattered and heather honey.

Palate: A combination of smokiness and iodine, a little confusing. Then comes the spice, giving rye heat with clove. Tobacco leaf and sweet peas, then some creamy vanilla that’s wiped out by the heat.

Finish: Medium to long, mainly spicy, with a little smokiness lingering.

Comment: The delicacy I would like is missing at present, it’s very hot and very smoky. Could be interesting for a smoked sweet cocktail.

Score: 7.1

Taster

Nose: Sweet pipe tobacco and cherry candy. Smoky barbeque sauce, chipotle and paprika. Roasted sweet potato and balsamic. Some fruits of the forest, too.

Palate: Medium bodied. Smoky bacon crisps, strawberry sauce and Maraschino cherry with bitter dark chocolate. A touch of fresh ginger.

Finish: Medium length. The smoky bacon lingers.

Comment: An unusual but complex dram that’s well worth trying.

Score: 8.4