This one is really interesting, in a good way...
I have a "ritual" for every new whiskey (or whisky) I try... Always in a glencairn glass, first neat, then with a little bit (2 - 6 drops) of water, then with an ice cube. This whiskey is a perfect example of how much things can change with small additions to whiskey
Neat - nose =very sweet with the grains taking center stage (almost like cheerios) palate = more of the same, sweet, with the malt really coming through, quite tasty finish = finally getting the smoke I was expecting, but definitely still sweet (guessing that's the hickory)
With 6 drops of water - pretty much the same, but the smoke starts coming through a little more on the palate, but still not on the nose
Single ice cube - wow, huge difference, the smoke(s) really take center stage but without taking away from the grainy malty flavors, just adding to and accenting them
This is easily one of my favorite new drams, not quite a 5,but easily a 4.5 can't wait to visit them for a tour this autumn since my (non whiskey drinking) wife had a thing for distillery tours after our recent visit to Kentucky