didn't expect much when I bought this bottle... figured it would be one of the bottles I keep handy not for it's complex beauty (Ardbeg 10, Redbreast Lustau, Russell Reserve) but for those nights when I decide a four to five fingers pour and a Guinness Extra Stout might just be enough to keep me pickled but certainly not drunk (high tolerance).. and I guess it still is one of those 'pickled' bottles - BUT it might just be the best one I have... what surprised me the most was the smokiness of this whiskey.... at 40-bucks a pop, it's worth a shot.... 46% no water needed.