Taster

Nose: Big and malty, with caramel toffee, honey, cream and toasted nuts. With water some citrus notes, stewed fruits and dried herbs. It has impact but no great complexity.

Palate: The toffee dominates but it fades a bit too quickly and fails to fill the mouth or excite the taste buds.

Finish: Nutty. Short and dry.

Comment: Lacks direction and energy. A simple starter for a malt novice but I'd rather have a good blend.

Score: 6.5

Taster

Nose: Fairly intense. Citrus fruit. Cumin and orange blossom.

Palate: Spiciness dominates throughout. Ginger shortbread, butterscotch.

Finish: Firm, a bit insistent, dries out on oaky notes.

Comment: To stimulate a sweet tooth when served with a fruit cake.

Score: 7.3