I very much like the packaging of these. It’s a bigger box than some, with a blend of photographic and abstract to give it the festive feel. And some proper shouty text, proclaiming the alcohol! Additional kudos to the design team for putting the pies in a gold tray, too – that adds a really classy touch.
Opening the inner wrapper unveils a gorgeous scent of Christmas: spice and booze! There’s enough caster sugar on top of each pie to look like snowfall, and the lid attachments are consistent across the six. Yet another shaped lid, which is part star and part snowflake.
The first bite shows just how luxurious these are. The pastry, just the right thickness, gives an initial salty buttery hit, and the filling is absolutely lovely: plentiful, well-textured, and crucially, not too sweet of syrup. This is an important touch, because the fruit and the brandy are then emphasised more.
The leader so far this year. The simplest barometer? I went straight in for a second one.
Packaging – 9
Appearance – 9
Filling – 9
Taste – 10
Overall score 37/40