Smell: Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, peppermint and vanilla are the main notes on the nose. Then, it's lightly floral with and orange zest note. Light rubber, pepper and burnt wood. Tiny amount of caramel. WITH WATER: Opens up quite a bit and balances things nicely. Much less spicy and a lot more caramel and floral notes. Taste: Powerful taste. The taste is quite a bit less spicy than the nose. You get a lot more caramel on the get go with a strong vanilla note. Then, it's all about the spice with the cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint and cloves. The floral notes are still there too, right before the finish. WITH WATER: Just like the smell, it really does help balancing everything. It does lose on intensity but I think the tradeoff is worth it. Finish: The finish is mostly orange zest, vanilla, pepper and tiny rubber. Pretty darn long to be frank, considering the proof. Mouthfeel: Medium to light body with medium to low level of oiliness. One of the low points of this whisky. WITH WATER: Interestingly enough, body got bigger, going to a strong medium. Overall: It's a strong rye and punches about it's ABV flavor wise for sure. Although it's quite straightforward in its flavors, the intensity is very much welcomed. No dill at all here. One of the rare non malt whisky that benefits from adding water.