The nose evoked a log cabin in the snow – fire in the hearth, polished Amish furniture and the sweetness of maple candies, golden meringues, vanilla custard slice and rum-soaked raisins. The palate, ‘woodier than a beaver’s breakfast’ – had dried apple rings, ice-cream wafers, honeycomb, candy corns and toffee; hints of clove and smoked venison teased the finish.