The nose was huge; a rich and evolved affair that wrapped dried fruit and cake mix in a shroud of molasses and buttery fudge. Figs and sultanas beckoned the appearance of apple strudel with an inviting and delicious pastry note. Aromas of dried banana merged with baked apple before leading to a thick and juicy palate that epitomized sticky fudge and dark fruits. A huge scoop of rum and raison ice-cream was served with a sprinkling of cocoa nibs and opulent dark chocolate covered cranberries.

Flavours cascaded in a “monumentous” fashion, rolling through the juicy fruits of apricots, tangerines and toffee apples before settling on a finish of warm butter and fresh wood. After spending 20 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead this was transferred to a 1st fill PX hogshead for the remainder of its maturation.