Taster

Nose: Everything here is pastel-shaded: flowers, Edinburgh rock, apple cake, grass, ginger. Well balanced. Highly oily, suggesting good age almost into varnish, old book shop, dried fruit, beeswax.

Palate: A little disappointing after such an excellent nose. Like many old whiskies it has a fragility to it. Tannins a little high. The fungal depth of old Cognac.

Finish: Long, tannic then fades quickly.

Comment: Highly perfumed. This needs time to open. Worth a look. Good price!

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Musty. Apples and pears drying on racks. A hint of crystallised violet. Then a more earthy profile. Wet pine needles. Dead leaves.

Palate: Fresh but mellow. Lots of honey. Roasted almonds. Currants and dried apricots. Candied pineapple. Spices take over fruit.

Finish: Long, lingering, warm. Star anise, drying out on an oaky edge.

Comment: Old and complex but keeping fit. A rich character, to be enjoyed right now.

Score: 8.5