Taster

Nose: Direct with notes of fennel, pine, green leaf and a tickle of smoke. Slight biscuity sweetness with water.

Palate: Delicate with hints of jasmine and elderflower and a tingle of alcohol. Very sweet with a decent feel, but seems strangely fragile.

Finish: Slightly lactic.

Comment: Almost as if it is still coming together.

Score: 7

Taster

Nose: Herbal. Aromatic. Fragrant but the alcohol bite masks the aromas at start. Then smooths on rich cream (Jersey clotted cream?) and freshly churned butter. Gooseberry fool.

Palate: Surprisingly sweet. Star anise. A hint of passion fruit. Sherbet dib-dabs.

Finish: Quite short, fading quickly.

Comment: Mellows once the alcohol has evaporated, especially with water. A good summer refresher.

Score: 8.8