Taster

Nose: Dry and mature, but slightly austere. Oak shavings, coffee bean, walnut whip, marzipan. Woody.

Palate: Complex spirit that's been clamped in an oaky grip. Tannic and gripping.

Finish: Dry, splintery. Hint of sweetness behind.

Comment: The elegance of youth obliterated by the oak.

Score: 7

Taster

Nose: Cocoa powder. Black chocolate. Parma violets.

Palate: Toasty. Slightly flat.

Finish: Creamy. Toffeeish. Very late spicy lift.

Comment: The family propensity to fall asleep seems to have struck in the bottle; given a chance to breathe and a drink of water, it comes back to life.

Score: 8