Taster

Nose: Outstanding aroma, kicked off by a spicy prickle that any Bourbon lover will immediately recognise as the hallmark of the old Ancient Age distillery. Satisfying, deep, gently vanilla-ed and molassed with even a sprig of sweet mint.

Palate: A rip-roaring waxy sweetness checked by a big build up of vanilla-rich oak. Corn is chewy and rye offers a rich-textured background.

Finish: Dries at last as the oak takes command, but rye offers extra depth and a layer of bitterness as does a lingering liquorice.

Comment: Big, moody, uncompromising and complex beyond belief. One of the world's great whiskeys.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Rich, rummy. Figs, almond, aniseed.

Palate: Smooth, creamy. Faintly smoky and tobacco-like.

Finish: Surprisingly restrained. Pruney.

Comment: Some very interesting flavours, but lacks roundness and length.

Score: 7