The nose has a smoky oak note, not along the line of a scotch, more burnt wood that has cooled from the campfire the night before. Tobacco and a table sugar sweetness come through as well. The first sip has a bright spice, with clove and a little lemon zest citrus cutting through the sweet notes of vanilla cream. It finishes a bit thin and peppery due to the proof, but is remarkably drinkable without any added water. Well worth the few extra bucks it took to get my hands on.