Taster

Nose: Distinctly fruity. Peaches. Sherryish. Nutty.

Palate: Big flavours-and it's packed with them. Liquorice. Salt. Spice merchants. Dusty.

Finish: Big, spicy explosion.

Comment: Springbank in pyrotechnic form. The sherry doubles the flavours, but arguably also softens the Campbeltown character.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Amazingly buttery; butterkist popcorn/crème caramel/tablet. Water opens it and rings out some dry smoke, sultana and charred oak.

Palate: Mouthfilling, complex. Sweet, then unfolds and dries: date loaf, black olive, smoke, caramelised fruits.

Finish: Leather, long, great balance.

Comment: The sweetest Springbank I've ever tried. Has the extra dimension that elevates great malts from good.

Score: 9