The nose presented a curious concoction as stout beer blended with wax jackets and bramble bushes. Fruity notes delivered fresh pears, waxy lemons and peach and apricot stones with a dry edge. The dryness fused into aged champagne, perhaps with a dash of cherry liqueur to give a twist to the classic cocktail. Waxy notes turned to buttery and oily as shortbread biscuits emerged with walnuts and almonds. The palate greeted us with a refreshing glass of fine ginger beer with sweet tinges that suggested toffee and caramel. Parma violets brought a subtly floral character before orange liqueur merged with blackcurrant liquorice. A hint of herbal tiptoed in towards the end with dried bay leaves and olive oil, whilst oatcakes and grape seeds rounded out the complex finish.