Nose - Dark apple/pear cider, subtle sweet nutty fruit, dried low sugar dates, very light brine and wisp of smoke.
Taste - Buttery/creamy malt, hint of dried apples, dull muted smoke, light salted/brined sour apples, hint of dried jujubes, dry spongy fruit flesh sweet, light fruity bitter.
Finish - Lingering faint fruity sweet, light sea spray, light smoke, lingering jujube subtle sweetness.
Score - 78/100
Final Thoughts - This had a great nose off the initial pour and develops with a bit of air time in the glass. Unfortunately that's about the only place where this shines as it is tasty on the palate, but the combination of flavors you get on the tongue versus the nose is a bit confusing. You get more sweetness on the nose, but on the palate it tastes like a dried out powdery apple that has lost most of its sweetness & crunch. Sadly similar to a dry tasting jujube, where it's still sweet, but barely, and you get more spongy air filled sweetness. The subtle wisp of smoke & brine are nice and do help balance it out a bit. I feel this is something best enjoyed on a fresh palate as it's quite subtle.
Would I drink it if offered? - Yes
Would I specifically order it? - No
Would I buy a bottle? - No