Taster

Nose: Intense, oily and full bodied. Initially sweet: roses, lavender, black cherry, orange, chocolate and toffee, then a blast of menthol that clears the sinuses.

Palate: Big and sweet. The rye grabs you mid-palate then the cooked fruit/cherry/treacle come back, before the sour rye gives a final bite. Lovely balance.

Finish: Soft, then cherry stone.

Comment: A typical but a wonderful drink to sip on its own. The more I drink it the more I love it.

Score: 8.5

Taster

Nose: Distinctly rich. Mint toffee. Raisin toffee.

Palate: Viscous. So smooth as to be almost slippery, but with the flavours of fruitcake. Very sweet.

Finish: Warm. Relaxing. Lots of vanilla. Bourbon-like.

Comment: Showing its age. It seems to have lost a little liveliness but, if you were as rich as this, would you care?

Score: 8.3