Fifty shades of earl grey

The dram whispered shyly at first as elderflower and fruit pastilles mingled with the scent of drawer liners and fresh bread crust. On the palate, candied pineapple and orange blossom flirted boldly with a cheeky kick of chilli earl grey tea and chelsea buns, backed by fizzy car sweets and a hint of lager. Water revealed pencil boxes and coconut custard layered with tropical fruit salad and pineapple tarts, sweetened by shortbread and butterscotch. The finish lingered silkily with hazelnut paste, orange bitters and fig rolls – all dusted with malted milk biscuits and a subtle, elegant note that embraced earl grey’s many moods. After spending 11 years in an ex-bourbon barrel, this was transferred to a second fill charred barrel for the remainder of its maturation.