Taster

Nose: A freshly felled Christmas tree. A new exercise book. Freshly polished shoes. A heap of turmeric, all lifted by some candied bergamot peel, sweet peas and Refresher bars.

Palate: A dollop of clotted cream with toffee cake, sprinkled with nutmeg and cut through with a slightly tarnished silver cake slice. More pine needles on the palate, alongside a rosewater florality.

Finish: Spicy, with tingly, drying black pepper and more of that nutmeg carrying through.

Comment: Well balanced. A solid workhorse of a whiskey.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Mellow, slightly perfumed and floral. Baked apples and vanilla. Fruit salad in golden syrup. Not masses happening, but it’s rather pleasant.

Palate: Commendable silkiness that repeats the apples and vanilla, with tons of honey. Apricots and peaches, then some raisins to boot. Spiced pears, praline, milk chocolate and buttermilk.

Finish: Medium-length, creamy, custardy and spicy, with honey stealing the show.

Comment: Easy drinking, but nothing really makes this stand out from the crowd.

Score: 7.6