Taster

Nose: Another punchy ABV number that needs a little water to help it reveal its secrets, and it’s worth the patience. Faintly smoky black tea tannins, sherry soaked Iced finger biscuits and vanilla custard.

Palate: That full-on Granny’s alcohol-soaked trifle comes in at first, then slowly gives way to more orchard fruits, melting brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. The oak is lurking again with those tannin notes, coconut and maple syrup.

Finish: Long and lush with plenty of fruit sweetness, balanced with a little high cocoa dark chocolate bitterness.

Comment: Again needs that ABV dialling back to show off its really heart and soul.

Score: 7.9

Taster

Nose: Earthy, funky and dirty. Mechanical elements of oily rags, engine oil and iron filings mingle with plums, black treacle, oloroso and malt dust settling at the bottom of a hessian sack.

Palate: Soft and chewy. Unctuous dark toffee, clove spice and dense, nutty and currant-speckled Christmas pudding, but with more of those oil-soaked metal gears.

Finish: A helping of minty After Eights to finish alongside a combination of currants and engine oil.

Comment: A dirty yet fruity English malt. Fascinating, a real journey.

Score: 9.2