Immediate vanilla, fudge and butterscotch, but a character reminiscent of a great Cognac as well with some dried figs and apricots, then pencil shavings and hints of damp earth. Very complex.

This heady tipple coats the palate with an impressive array of flavonoids including an overlay of nutmeg on milk chocolate, toffee, sea-salt caramel and a beautiful softness without the sweetness, a great marriage. There is a rise on the mid-palate before it fades slowly into a minute-long supple and silky finish that is pierced only by flashes of oak, pure rum character and raisins.

A deep mahogany with flashes of gold and bronze out to the rim, showing immense viscosity with long painted legs in the glass.