Taster

Nose: Black and red currants mix it with some bacon crisps. Juicy orange citrus fruits, plus a hint of acetone.

Palate: Rich and warming. The fresh citrus aromas have turned into a cooked orange sauce and butterscotch with a kick of dried chilli flakes. A vase of roses stands on a highly polished sideboard.

Finish: Leave it long enough and I get lime zest and desiccated coconut. Where did that come from?

Comment: Another great whiskey from Ireland. Watch out Scotland…

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: A fairly simple array of classic flavours. A nice maltiness, with some nutty edges. Vanilla. A nice cinnamon edge.

Palate: Blood oranges. Marzipan. Salted caramel. Pink grapefruit, but perhaps a little too tart. Plenty of raisins, with mixed peel, cloves and tannins – water tames this nicely.

Finish: Chewy, full of vanilla, long and with lots of warming cinnamon, ginger and black pepper.

Comment: Fine flavours, and a splash of water makes this easy-drinking fun.

Score: 7.5