Assessed in a Glencairn spirits nosing glass. Aroma - Neat - Varnished wood, honeycomb, beef stew, very mild Armagnac and the tiniest hint of cedar smoke. Adding a splash of water and . . . Bitter honey and amplified savory beef stew qualities. Taste - Neat - Cereal notes, mild Armagnac Influence, bittered honey. Adding a splash of water and . . . a bit better now, Armagnac and bitter honey shine through. Final thoughts - Not impressed. I was expecting a lot more out of this being a special edition release at 50% and being finished in Armangac barrels. The nose on this whiskey is unremarkable at best and slightly off putting at worst. The flavor gets a touch better with the addition of water, but it’s certainly nothing to write home about. Had i been blind folded I’d never have guessed this was supposed to be something special.