Nose The aroma of old, leather-bound books dashes to the fore, joined by a bouquet of English summer flowers. Deep oloroso sherry comes through, along with blackcurrant coulis, orange rind and exquisite, fresh apricot jam. All of it is drizzled in warm, thick molasses and huckleberry honey.
Palate The palate is a powerhouse. There’s more rich spice than the nose, with bright, warm cinnamon, clove and galangal. It maintains its Sherried character beautifully, and juicy tangerines, nectarines and bramble fruit all burst through. There’s a smattering of salty vanilla, delicately balanced with barley and very soft oak. Occasional pangs of liquorice round it off.
Finish Graciously long; the finish is drier than the palate, with a woodier, earthier character. Notes of cigar box and walnut temper the fruity considerably, but the spices become sweeter, like nutmeg dusted over gingerbread. A light note of black treacle lingers tastefully.
Overall This is an exquisite dram. Refined, sophisticated, but also, importantly, barrels of fun. You’ll be oozing noble, Sherried blood. An absolute triumph. Bloody hell.