NYE 2020, the perfect drink to end the year. Why? Because it’s a bit of a let down. The nose is what I’d imagine a government committee spent several weeks determining what the masses would want in a whisky instead of what it could have been. Inoffensive through and through. Sweetness and vanilla is main stage, and though other characters attempt to play their part, vanilla just can’t get enough of your attention. Give it some time, ignore vanillas presence and soon jammy fruit will join the party. A little toast for the supporting act, a childhood memory of a summers breakfast. But just like an ex girlfriend, vanilla weasels it’s way back into the finish, soon leaving it’s department store perfumery lingering just long enough to remind you who’s the boss of this glass. Surprisingly, oak if fairly friendly and says hello but can’t get much else out before honey and vanilla smothers it out. The second sip calls on the fruit and toast for reinforcement but ultimately it is a failed attempt and vanilla ends the show with a solo that isn’t too long. All in all, pairs nicely with some pretzels that made me thirsty. Great introduction for someone who wants to dip their toe in but doesn’t want to commit to something complex.