Taster

Nose: Gently phenolic with earth, burnt wood, citrus, white fruit and nascent peat. The oak arrives in creamy, toasted toffee waves bringing a light herbal nuance.

Palate: Quite oaky with plenty of creamy toffee, followed by hints of banana, light honey and a little grainy spice. Lightly phenolic with hints of charred wood.

Finish: Very dry with the toffee coated banana lingering. Big dollops of honey balance the alcohol.

Comment: It definitely needs a little water, but that does have a detrimental impact on its complexity.

Score: 8.1

Taster

Nose: Apple chews and pear drops, then scrumpy and candied lemon peel. It feels summery with warm hay. Syrup pudding and lemon bonbons.

Palate: Lovely fizzy lemon sherbet and grapefruit zest. Toasted oat cookies and becomes more perfumed with water with lemongrass and lime basil.

Finish: Surprisingly delicate for its strength with uplifting zestiness.

Comment: I was taken with how light this was, a lovely example.

Score: 8.7