This is a new brand and expression for me. Picked up a store-pick selection, bottle 109 of 129, from Gaspar's in Tampa about 3 months ago and I'm finally getting around to opening it. It's labeled as 50% ABV and not much else. I did sample it at the liquor store (Gaspar's is known for their liberal tasting library) and was impressed enough to put it in the cart. The pour is an "old penny" color. I'm not sure who's review I lifted that from, but I first saw a color described that way on this site. There is substantial sheeting and big, slow legs on a swirl. This taste is neat from a glencairn. I'm allowing a solid 15 minutes for the liquor to settle as this is a first pour. The nose is powerful. The immediate ethanol hints at a proof I'd believe was higher than 100, but it soon fades to a more "normal" level. Once a little time has passed I start getting strong notes of cola, cherries, apples, dill, menthol, ginger, cloves, vanilla, banana, caramel, oak wood, cut lumber, and rich nougat. Wow, this is intense! Barrel char, ginger, black pepper, sweet creme brulee, Banana's Foster, cherry cola, cloves, brine and a slight mineral flavor all are delivered on the palate. This is GIANT in flavor. Everything is turned up to 11, but it leans decidedly towards a high rye profile. This absolutely isn't an "approachable" or "friendly" dram! This is serious whiskey! Don't make this your first of the night or everything else will taste pale and washed out in comparison. And please don't give this to someone who's not ready for a powerful flavor profile. It might scar them for life! Seriously, though. This is of the same vein as a Booker's, Stagg Jr or JDSBBP. Tasty and drinks big -but this isn't 130 proof. And there-in lies the problem. I like this a lot, but its unique enough that I feel like I need to ding it a point for just being too loud. Comparisons to the competition aside,this is a great bourbon. I think the biggest weakness I'm tasting is a shorter-than-ideal finish that fades cleanly and elegantly. Somehow I feel cheated. A whiskey this big deserves a bit more time for an ovation. Spicy, bold, complex, unapologetically forward, tidy and powerful all describe what I'm tasting. Try it with a peppery, full-flavored meal or with a perfectly smoked brisket. I can't imagine a better pairing! I'm saying this is a 4.0, but it might deserve a quarter point more if the bottle mellows out just a bit over time.