Well, it’s a Saturday evening and me and the Mrs. are settling in watching The Crown (hooked). With a biting chill outside and a warming fire in, I pulled this from the sample collection. Perfectly suited for the atmosphere I believe this one should be, courtesy of Mr. Pranay (of course). A rich, dark amber-copper liquid colors contrast the clear copita glass. Take dates, figs, raisins, oranges, apples and blend them together. Add cinnamon and vanilla and stew the in an oaken pot. As it blends, steeps and melds, add milk chocolate shavings and Brioche bread to add sweetness, maltiness and yeastiness. This constitutes the full and broad nose. The arrival is hot and spicy and takes another sip or two to acclimate and taste the flavors. The flavors are dense and thick of but hard to discern. Dark chocolate (think 95% cocoa), dark coffee, dark fruits, cinnamon, cloves, cracked black pepper with oak tannins swimming freely about. Two tablespoons of water softens the brashness on the palate. That sweeter side is brought forward and the spice is pushed back while retaining the cinnamon and nutmeg; unchanged. Fruits are a bit more vibrant and a hint of grape and black cherry appears while retaining all the drying oak tannins. A long and extremely drying finish with remnants of currents and chocolate and cinnamon and oaken charcoal, almost ashy. A Texan palate punch. A rich aroma and a rich palate packed with a strong foundation. Big and bold. If this finds your way, find, be sure to allocate time as this needs time; time to open, time to explore and time to enjoy. With the addition of water, the dram becomes approachable while retaining it’s character. But I find without water, the boldness is an enjoyable unbridled, muscular dram. Find your perfect pour since you can create it to your liking managing the proper amount of water. Thank you @PBMichiganWolverine for providing me this generous sample (as always). [90/100][Tasted: 1/8/21]