Taster

Nose: At this ABV water is pretty much essential. It brings out golden syrup, orange sherbet, Crunchie bars and a little dry leaf mulch.

Palate: Chocolate and praline bars, a little digestive biscuit. Then some oak grip, poached pears in brandy. Rhubarb and custard sweets at the end.

Finish: Dries quickly with a little tobacco leaf note.

Comment: For me this is pushing the acceptable boundaries of ABV. This is not a neat sipper, but with water there is a lovely huge sherry bomb under there lurking.

Score: 7.4

Taster

Nose: The ABV is assaulting high. With water there is butterscotch, treacle tart and tea-soaked prunes. Apricots and stewed plums bring more sweetness, before lemon sherbet, strawberry shortcake and peach blossom.

Palate: An initial hit of blue bubblegum is followed by stewed apple, sweet cherry and peach notes, and then a floral note.

Finish: Red chilli heat and drying tannins.

Comment: Takes water well, bringing out floral notes. Nothing exciting about this whisky, it is too sweet and too hot.

Score: 7.5