Taster

Nose: Lovely smoked notes, of cheese, almond, and plum. Black olive and a hint of caper. Light Scotch pancakes and salted butter. Whipped vanilla cream. Caramelised sugar, green apple, and a little hemp.

Palate: Light-medium. Herbaceous and meaty. Sweet, mossy peat notes, barbequed salmon, crispy bacon fat, lemon, and green olives with fresh herbs. Rye bread with set honey. Pine and new leather.

Finish: Medium. Strong tea, warm smoky milk, and honey. Slightly ashy.

Comment: Not quite what I was expecting from a rye, but in the best way.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Dried dill, dried basil, allspice, white pepper, aloe vera, star anise, and pencil shavings. Sourdough, cardamom, brown sugar, and rye bread. Hard candy gobstopper and Cascade grape.

Palate: Medium-light. Chalk sweets, well-diluted elderflower and lemon pressé, fresh blueberry, vanilla milk cookie, and a touch of Concord grape juice. Fresh mozzerella, dried basil and oregano.

Finish: Medium and gently drying. On green tea and honey.

Comment: A refined, delicate, and herbal dram. Opens well with water.

Score: 8.1