The nose was fabulously rich and evocative – loads of nuts, especially walnuts (coffee and walnut ice-cream, walnut whip), mocha, balsamico, five-spice, canvas and a pomander with orange and clove. The palate was richly rounded, deep and unusual with great character for its age – treacle, cola cubes, roasted hazelnuts and coffee-flavoured dark chocolate. The reduced nose offered dark, sticky honey cake with crushed nuts, chocolate cherries, Black Forest gateau and Toffee Crisp. The palate now promised sophisticated desserts – tiramisu, crème brûlée, sticky dates and golden meringues – sweet but very grown up – the finish ultra-dry. The distillery had connections with Pluscarden Priory.