Initially the nose is telling of the fruitiness of this whiskey. On initial taste this whiskey leans almost too far into the direction of Cognac, with just a hint of familiar mellow Glenlivet hanging in the background. Can't say that this is a favorite of mine. Although the price point of Glenlivet 15 Year French Oak is almost double that of this Cognac Cask, I prefer that French Oak many times over.