Butterscotch candies, caramel and honey overshadow spicy notes of white pepper mixed with a pinch of cinnamon, ginger powder, clove, and even a hint of turmeric. Very mild smoke coming from the wood, apple brandy, and a bit of flaky vanilla pastry with almond slices are perceptible as well. Given time, red grapes and cocoa come out. Spicy and sweet on the tongue, with loads of pepper, grains of paradise, cinnamon, honey, and Demerara sugar. There is also some orange peel, a touch of coriander, and vanilla cream. The body is syrupy but not at all heavy, becoming almost fluffy as it rests on the tongue. Legs are scarce, nearly nonexistent, appearing briefly then immediately disappearing into receding sheets that leave behind a field of oblong droplets of extremely varying sizes. The finish is lasting and really highlights the barrels with lots of gently delivered oaky wood spice, vanillin, mild nutty astringency reminiscent of chopped dry pecans, and an inkling of milk chocolate covered raisins to remind you that there is sherry cask influence here as well as the ex bourbon.
Nose: 9
Taste: 9
Body: 8
Finish: 9