Taster

Nose: Delightful – golden syrup sponge with vanilla custard. Ground almonds and pastry, apricot jam, peaches and dried oranges. Pleasing maltiness underneath.

Palate: Echoes the malt, but with layers of fresh fruits – apricots, peaches, green tea with honey. Viscous spirit. Straw-like, with vanilla, hazelnut praline and warming stem ginger.

Finish: Warming, with ginger, syrup and baked apples going on for years.

Comment: Simple stuff, but wonderfully expressed. Something for any level of drinker.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: A stroll past a patisserie where creation is in full swing. Choux pastry, marzipane, honey and pecans, orange zest, whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts.

Palate: Follows on from the nose, but brings more malted barley notes. Fields after harvest, ginger-nut biscuits, fondant fancy cakes and cherry nougat.

Finish: Gentle and long with plenty of sweetness.

Comment: Could drink this all day, such a delightful drop with great layers of flavour.

Score: 8.5