Taster

Nose: Very herbal, with heather and sage notes, followed by nectarine segments and honey and Wensleydale on crackers.

Palate: More heathery, with light vanilla single cream, plenty of cinnamon and nutmeg spice, and toasted rye malt loaf covered in butter and marmalade.

Finish: A slightly metallic and sherried finish, with peppermint freshness.

Comment: A real journey here, with nicely balanced spice and complexity giving it plenty of bite.

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: Intense strawberry laces, raspberry jam and fresh blackberry. Raisins, cinnamon candy and Mexican tamarind caramels.

Palate: Medium-full. Very sweet red and black fruits – strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant – like boiled sweets. Raisins and fudge. Poached pears and baked bananas lathered in butterscotch. Fresh blood orange juice.

Finish: Long and chewy, ending on orange and cinnamon.

Comment: Liquid fruit candy, dusted with Christmas spices.

Score: 8.3