Taster

Nose: Huge full on dark fruits, blackcurrant compote, plum puddings, bramble jam, fig newtons then onto tangy blood orange, sticky cherry herring and oak and banana.

Palate: Sticky, mouth coating, oily. A mix of those hard lime and chocolate sweets and some great juicy fruits, ripe strawberries, doughnut peaches and Victoria plums. There’s a little smoky note.

Finish: Long, lush, hints of spice and plums.

Comment: OK it’s old, and it’s probably expensive, but blimey that was quite something. Impressive.

Score: 9.2

Taster

Nose: Forward and in your face, with ripe fruits, a bright and vibrant pressed coffee note and a nudge towards tobacco.

Palate: Key lime pie? Fresh doughnuts bring a little more sweetness to balance the citrus, before oakiness takes over, with heat and cooking spices. Twists again with strawberries, raspberries and figs.

Finish: The oak returns and dries everything out a little bit, but there’s still a freshness from those red berries.

Comment: Very good. If a friend is in doubt about good whiskeys show them this one.

Score: 8.9