A heady aroma came brimming with confectionery and baked pastry vibes. Some clear impressions of pomegranate molasses drizzled on lemon sponge cake were joined by coffee crème caramel and hints of aromatic VORS (i.e. very old) oloroso sherry. This evolved nicely to cherries, marzipan and orange liqueurs.

Water brought out notes of rum fudge, ginger cake, peppermint tea and a wonderfully deep leather and tobacco combo. The palate neat opened up with hot cross buns, a deep and satisfying spiciness, booze-soaked trifle and a smorgasbord of fig jam, cinnamon pastries and a lovely, syrupy texture evoking runny honey and fruit compotes. With water it moved more towards dark chocolate, Turkish Delight and candied walnuts, with a long, warming and citrus-tinged afterglow. Bottled for the 2023 Highland Spirit Festival.