I’ve got to say this is a stellar pour but it better be given the price tag. That being said, I try my best to disassociate the costs of a bottle with the pour inside it when reviewing.I first tasted this one neat in a glencairn and then later added a few drops of water. I didn’t get much on the nose initially other than ethanol which I was disappointed with but it opened up nicely after a few drops of water and I got what to me smelled of a wine finished rye. I can only assume that was the Japanese liquor barrel coming through but I’ve never had it so I’m only guessing. The palate is where this one shined both with and without water. Exceptionally smooth, you’d never know it was 120 proof, and downright delicious. The rye spice was there but perfectly balanced with sweet notes. The finish didn’t blow me away to be honest. It was there and lengthy but didn’t add any other characteristics I did get from the nose or the palate. Overall a great pour and I’m glad I was lucky enough to try it at a reasonable cost.