Nose

Not too prickly – menthol, aniseed, molasses. Water opens gentle sandalwood, toast, dried oranges, cinnamon and oatmeal.

Palate

Beautifully jammy – hedgerow fruits, blackberries. Elderberries, with coffee and bitter chocolate. Raspberries and vanilla. Chilli peppers. Tannic. Burnt toast with lime marmalade. Toffee fudge.

Finish

Dry, cloying, peppery and too much bitterness from wood.

Comment

A powerhouse of a Bourbon, yet managing impressive balance for the most part.