First rum barrel finished whiskey. Definitely a fan. On the nose: unmistakably "rum". Like, is this even whisky? For me, that's the scent of "regret" - equally astringent and equally achieved by lowering my face into a bucket of hand sanitizer and inhaling deeply. (But in all seriousness, it smells like rum. But I recognize it smells like good rum. Also, did I mention I really don't like rum? Also, it's 46%, so it's like, "Did you not expect 'astringent'? UPDATE: I left a glass out and 15 minutes later the nose - when inhaled not directly over the glass - is like wet, sweet oak, which is lovely.) On the palate, up front: completely bamboozled by the nose; clearly a good Irish whiskey base with unmistakable Bourbon cask fingerprints, delicious and curiously unique oak spice, honey and lemon. Maybe a hint of straw (it's something else but I can't put my finger on it). Have never tasted anything like this, and I love it. Feel and finish: Did I just eat a Werther's Original, because my mouth has a butterscotch coating. Honey and that same "straw" on the exhale. 46% and one of the softest finishes I've ever experienced. All that for a $63 bottle of blended Irish whiskey. Definitely recommend.