Taster

Nose: Apple and cherry wood-smoked ham. Coconut snowballs, as in that thin chocolate shell with fondant and desiccated coconut. Carpenter’s workshop, planed wood, warm metal and teak oil.

Palate: Grilled pineapple and mint mix with sappy wood, then vanilla and turmeric. Oranges in packing crates, cedar chests with mothballs and warm pressed linen.

Finish: The wood spices win, black tea tannins dry out to marmalade and crumpets.

Comment: A great example of an American single malt. A relatively easy drinker.

Score: 7.9

Taster

Nose: Candied peaches and cream, light maltiness and toasted coconut with a smattering of wood shavings.

Palate: Mouth-wateringly fruity, the juicy, ripe peaches burst to life. Some fresh eucalyptus and black pepper join the party, somewhat taking control, with a touch of oak rounding off the end.

Finish: A little bit spicy and dry.

Comment: I wish the peachiness had lingered a little longer.

Score: 8.6