Taster

Nose: Thyme, black pepper, deep brown sugars, molasses and ever such a dusty, musty back note.

Palate: The vanilla comes through on the palate, providing a chance for some fruits such as gooseberry and quince to play a role, but the overriding oak spices unbalance the fruits, leaving a lime pickle bitterness to this sample.

Finish: Lots of oak and lime. Sour cherry.

Comment: Too bitter for me. Needs more sweetness in it, but then again, who doesn't.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: A huge toffee hit! Sweet toffee coated flambé banana, marzipan, fat corn and a light rye spice note which just about stops it from being too sweet.

Palate: Soft and full with plenty of sweet, sugary, caramelised dried fruit, fat corn and lightly peppery spice. Polished and intense with a serious alcohol bite.

Finish: An intense and earthy finish, with hints of violet and the spicy rye finally coming through. The oak dries and adds some bitter chocolate, but it’s a seriously impressive finale!

Comment: What can you say? Classy. I’d buy it for the finish alone!

Score: 8.8