Taster

Nose: Wet tissue paper, peeled lychees, chopped parsley and some liquorice root. Given time in the glass, a peppery rye note emerges, alongside some vanilla led oak. A little green, but interesting. \n

Palate: Very spicy on the first mouthful, with mint humbugs, plum jam, stewed tea and nutmeg notes. A complex malty package – delivered by some well-made spirit. \n

Finish: The oak takes over and we lose a bit of the fruit and malt. But nothing is too dominant. \n

Comment: Hooky, with a lot to sink your teeth into here. Another one to try with a few different serves.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: Youthful and earthy rye-like notes to begin, followed by darker rye-like notes, balsamic treacle, malt and dark chocolate. A curious perfumed / smoked meat note appears. Oak adds supportive notes in the background.

Palate: Young and oily. A little on the immature side but it’s full of herbal rye-like notes, wheat and treacle. Seriously herbal on the middle with a touch of perfumed hops. \n

Finish: Quite dry, which stunts the finish a little, but it has a lovely herbal, mocha after-taste. \n

Comment: A fabulous nose. Maybe more time in the cask might have helped the palate.

Score: 8.4