Taster

Nose: I can certainly detect some heat. There’s a dominant sticky pine resin\r\naroma mixed in with some lemons and smouldering wood.

Palate: Chewy and charcoaly with juicy acidity. The hit of smoke is matched by some pineapple and pear. Then the numbing aniseed takes over.

Finish: We all love chewing on a stick of charcoal from time to time, right...?

Comment: A punchy, smoky blend that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Mince pies and custard. That pastry note is almost bread- like, but with lashings of jam. A touch musty: sandalwood. Lovelier with water.

Palate: A recracker. Scorching black pepper, burnt toast and chilli. Strawberry jam, though quite tart. Dried fruits develop, sultanas more than others. Water tames, but doesn’t develop it.

Finish: Very long, with black pepper, fresh pastry, raspberry coulis and tobacco.

Comment: A blunt instrument of a whisky, but it just about works effectively.

Score: 7.6