Taster

Nose: Weak grassy notes and vanilla, ground almonds. A little bit of citrus, with sage and green tea. It’s all the light stuff – young or from well-used casks.

Palate: Fine founded texture, but it's fairly basic stuff: grass, herbs, citrus and vanilla.

Finish: Short, oily, with cracked black pepper and a little lingering vegetativeness.

Comment: Doesn't do itself many favours.

Score: 6.6

Taster

Nose: Confectionary wrappers, powdered ginger, marzipan and chocolate digestives. A little clove cigarette and lots of wood shavings.

Palate: Lots of sweetness and then the spices start to build, black pepper and a little long pepper. Toffee pennies and fresh sliced conference pear. Just a hint of smoke.

Finish: Short but lively and spicy.

Comment: Nicely put together and balanced, one of those deceptively easy to drink but hides plenty of layers of flavour.

Score: 8.9