Nose: Sherry-soaked plums, raisins and green apple slices. Honey’d cereal, black pepper and hint of barrel char.

Palate: Espresso beans, milk chocolate, tobacco leaf and lingering Sherried fruit. There’s a slight touch of smoke as it develops…

Finish: Elegant smoke continues, with golden barley and a final hint of coffee.

Overall: Superb Japanese blended malt from Nikka.