Tate & Lyle’s finest Golden Syrup hues hide aromas of labyrinthine complexity on this Armagnac. There is an initial waft of fresh figs, overripe plums, the seats of a Rover 90, Balkan Sobranie pipe tobacco and a touch of Deep Heat, just for good measure. 

A little surprising then, when the avalanche you expect becomes a gentle cuddle of flavour. Initial sweetness gives way to an unctuous embrace of fruity sap wood, and zesty orange flesh, which clings to the palate with a lip-smacking fervour. At the end you’re left in a warm and satisfying, gently tannic, afterglow.