JW High Rye *NOSE: Malt, Vanilla, Rye Spice, Light Apple & Melon, with a Hint of Leather & Toasted Oak. There is also an undercurrent of Sour Musty Grain. For lack of a better descriptor, the smell of the inside of your new Tennis Shoe after the first wear. Weird, I know, but that's what came to mind. Luckily after 15 minutes or so, it fades and is replaced by Berries which combine with the Malt for a Berry Kix Cereal vibe. *NEAT: Sweet Vanilla, Leather, Malt, and Apple on the Front of the Palate. Black Pepper Spice, Rye Spice, Oak Spice, and the faintest Whisp of Smoke on the Backend. Smooth Finish with very little heat, but the Tingly Spice notes build and layer very nicely. *SPLASH: With a few drops of water the nose has little if any change. The palate benefits a great deal as it melds together the Sweet at the beginning and the Spicy end. Brings out Honeycomb and Fresh Berries. A hint of Sweet Peat finally make an appearance on the Finish. *VERDICT: I expected to like this, but didn't think I'd like it this much. I generally like JW outside of the basic Red Label (though, I've even come to appreciate it a little more than I did). Not as good as the Green 15 for me, but I preferred it to both Black and Double Black, especially after a few drops of water. This is so well blended with the Rye notes in great balance with the Fruit, Honey, and Malt. If I have a quibble, it's the $40 price tag, but I'm seeing some folks finding it for low to mid- $20's. For that, it's a steal. This is definitely going to be a fixture in my cabinet.