Taster

Nose: Burnt toffee and vanilla cream, quite nutty with a little dark berry notes lurking. Could be mistaken for a bourbon.

Palate: The fruits come first then a waft of bitter wood (in a pleasant way) and a mint note. Opens more layers with each sip.

Finish: A little spiced with some fruitiness.

Comment: Unusual but intriguing. Takes you in one direction and then jinks you away.

Score: 8.2

Taster

Nose: A nut and berry mish-mash with trademark bourbony candy and vanilla notes.

Palate: Wow! Initially sweet soft plum and orange fruits, then a wave of spearmint and finally apricots. Distinctively bourbon but with some unexpected twists and delicate flourishes.

Finish: Alcoholic apricot juice with a touch of chilli.

Comment: The campaign for more grain whisky is growing momentum. This amply demonstrates why.

Score: 8.3