Taster

Nose: Sweet but dark to start off with, black cherries dipped in dark chocolate, caramel wafers with hazelnut spread. Fresh coffee grounds come through but then things lighten to vanilla cream.

Palate: Hits of pepper and wood shavings come in first before those coffee grounds make an appearance. Cigar smoke and leaf mulch. All held with buttery biscuits and oak lactones.

Finish: The oak really grips with coconut and cherry jam. A hint of fruit and then it dries nicely.

Comment: Raising the bar for American whiskey.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Dusty and gently mineralic, with orchard fruits beneath. Breadcrumbs and a hint of lemon come to the fore, followed by peanut and lingonberry. In time comes oregano and vanilla cream.

Palate: Silky and sweet, with vanilla biscuit, tarte tatin dusted with cinnamon, and subtle maltiness. In time comes dried pear and heather honey.

Finish: Medium length and fruity. Gently drying.

Comment: Like a slice of fruit tart with cream.

Score: 7.7