The score is based upon my overall feeling toward Irish Whiskey; this being the best I've tried, and ultimately my subjective view, when compared primarily with bourbon and scotch. This nose is of apple, chocolate and shortbread cookie- To dumb it down: Fig Newton. The taste is boiled down to a "boozy fruit cocktail" - the one that includes pears, peaches and semi-tasteless maraschino cherries. On the taste I believe there are baking spices, but I'm of the opinion this is mostly the ABV "talking." The finish has vanilla entering the mix, which is a nice dichotomy with the chocolate nose. Like the original 12, this doesn't "blow my hair back" but is reliable and not something to be ashamed of when making recommendations, or exposing virtues of malted spirits. Wish I could get this for $10 less, but that's more a nit-pick and not a condemnation. 5.0 - go out and buy all of the stock you can find. 4.0 - must buy at least one bottle before you die. 3.0 - solid, must try at a bar, or mooch from a friend. 2.0 - didn't like it, you may. 1.0 - you may have the palate of my dog, and he licks his own ass.