Taster

Nose: Soft and gentle smoke comes up to meet you, pecan and hickory wood chips soaked in dark rum steaming over hot coals. Grilled white peaches, manuka honey and toasted almonds.

Palate: Those grilled white peaches are there, coffee grinds, fresh baked blueberry muffins, cherry pie with toasted cinnamon.

Finish: Really takes its time, letting a gentle chilli prickle emerge with more soft wood smoke coming through.

Comment: Well done Virginia, this really is a stunning piece of distilling from the brand.

Score: 8.9

Taster

Nose: Barbecued fruits over a hay-fuelled bonfire, all gooey, caramelised banana and sticky pineapple. Dried fig, pickled walnuts and a scoop of rum ‘n’ raisin ice cream.

Palate: Soft and chewy. Caramel popcorn, softened cashews and more of that grilled banana and barbecued fruit bowl, with some wood spice adding grip.

Finish: Fruity, a little smoky and long with toasted spice.

Comment: This is really enjoyable and satisfying to drink. I can imagine this being a favourite among American single malt drinkers.

Score: 9