COLOUR: Bright orange-brown. LEGS: Very tight clothesline; tiny beads appeared then coalesced; finally, big oily tears slowly moved down the glass; it looks like it will have a thick and oily mouthfeel. NOSE: Moderate-Powerful (3/5); sweet corn and spicy rye; caramel, vanilla, honey, & maple syrup; slight citrus at the back; fresh tropical & dried fruits; hints of licorice; slightly herbal and grassy; no alcohol punch that might be expected from the high ABV, but rather mature and mellow. WITH WATER (5 drops into 15mL): unleashes some dusty barn floor and intensifies the rye spice. Score 8/10 TASTE: Blindingly powerful and hot (5/5); very sweet caramel; mouth-coating, but dry; sweet corn & spicy rye; caramel; port wine & dark berries; pepper & cinnamon on the back of the tongue; drying oak; slight saltiness. WITH WATER: tames down the alcohol hit somewhat, and intensifies all the flavours; wonderful! Score 9.5/10 FINISH: Very long and very drying; gentle sweetness goes on and on. WITH WATER: same, still very drying. Score 8/10 OVERALL: A magnificent whisky! Delicious and wonderful in every way. Weighted score 8.9/10