I received this bottle as an overly generous gift from my (obviously) favourite friend. I've wanted to try this for some time and ecstatic to have a bottle of my own. Initial tasting was at original proof but at 54.5% it's a bit hot for me. I added water to bring to about 47%, which is my sweet spot. Nose: Some ripe red apples and maybe a slight hint of peach. However, vanilla and caramel stand out to me here. I think caramel apples is a good overall summary of the nose. Palate: Initially salted caramel but the delicious rye spice quickly emerges. Pepper and cinnamon are prominent here. Finish: Long and spicy. More pepper and then a really gentle bitterness persists on the back of the palate for some time. Overall this is fantastic and I'm definitely grateful for my excellent friend @BradMacario!