Taster

Nose: Sharp, tangy. Warm blackcurrant pie. A balsamic note of thyme oil. A hint of bogmyrtle maybe. Quite difficult to assess. Old furniture.

Palate: Sweet, less sharp than on the nose. Wood speaks up too. Bitter chocolate. Artichoke leaves.

Finish: Rather short. Does not leave a great impression. Slightly bitter.

Comment: A strange character. Hard to grab. The palate reveals an interesting sweetness but the finish disappoints.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Big. Savoury. Black olive, bung cloth, bay leaf, and a little smoke. Lightly waxed notes mixing with coconut, trifle sponge, malt and sweet dried fruits. Substantial and complex.

Palate: Enjoyably thick and chewy palate with big, upfront flavours allowing the smoke to slide underneath. Good grip.

Finish: Slightly briny.

Comment: There's an uncompromising feral power to this. Magnificent.

Score: 9