Taster

Nose: Huge alcohol washes through first, a little water reveals more of the wood influence. Drying hardwood, that sweet, almost creamy hit you get from the woodshed, a little smoke and coconut.

Palate: Still gives you plenty of those wood notes, but now there is some flavourful fresh wood too, apple and pecan wood chips. More orchard fruit with a little sweet chilli spice too.

Finish: A slow burner but as it dries it is quite clean and cleansing.

Comment: A wonderful combination of sweet and smoke.

Score: 7.3

Taster

Nose: Green wood, tree sap and fresh wood shavings. Sour kiwi lurks beneath the abv, while water releases a more toasted oak quality.

Palate: Lots of new oak, all spice and pine needles. Add water for sweetness and vanilla, gooseberry and green apple skin with a touch of black pepper spice.

Finish: Fragrant and piney, but with a wisp of smoke and soot.

Comment: Needless to say, you might want to add water.

Score: 7.7