Taster

Nose: A big hit of peppery and spicy rye to begin. Vibrant and tight, with subtle oak and hints of corn. Develops notes of sour cherries, burnished wood, leather and marzipan.

Palate: Dark rye spice, pepper and a touch of corn oil. Quite tannic with the alcohol emphasising the dryness, but late treacle, hickory and coffee notes balance.

Finish: Seriously spicy with hints of sweet rose petal marc, mentholated herbs and lingering oak.

Comment: Now that’s how I like my Bourbon, hard and spicy with no fat and flabby corn!

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: An initial hint of wood-glue here, which is rather off-putting but thankfully it has gone, as quickly as the good notes of oak, mint, hazelnut and vanilla kick in. Phew!

Palate: A big yes here to the lovely rounded oak notes, toasted almonds and lavender, which is unusual for a big whisky. Blood orange too.

Finish: Lots of drying bitterness on the back of the finish, which I don’t mind if mixing this in an Old Fashioned

Comment: A little dry and bitter for a sipping Bourbon, but perfect in balance, poise and strength to mix.

Score: 8.8