Expert Review

Nose: Light and precise, soon growing in depth and complexity. Top notes of fresh, crisp, juicy fruit (orange peel, pear skin) are backed by fragrant almond oil. Later, leather and the merest suggestion of smoke. Water attractively increases the scented oil and brings up aniseed and fruit salad (tinned pears). Some late, faint smoke. Palate: Initially cool and sweet, with fresh acidity and a light smooth texture, then quickly hotter, with spicy fruit, as in a spiced fruit tea-cake. With a little water, slimmer, still cooling and not so sweet as the perfume grows and the heat reduces in favour of a softer spiciness. This descends into an attractive drier nuttiness, developing as dark chocolate, with hints of menthol and a grating of orange zest. Still fresh and well balanced, with a pleasing chewy texture. Finish: Sustained and warming, with notes of liquorice and peppermint cordial, green pistachio, clove.