Nose: Cordial-like aroma (cherry cola). Sweet, earthy, fruity notes (peach and red berries). Brown sugar, vanilla and a hint of preserved ginger. The nose enlarges as it rests. Palate: Very sweet and easy arrival. Brown sugar appears again together with just a little baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). Lots of sweet fruit and more spices come through in the development. Raisin scones, Christmas cake and there is a menthol/peppermint note, which is de rigueur for a rye. The texture is good but not remarkable. Finish: Medium/long. Sweet and grainy with lingering faint spice. A touch of wintergreen in the aftertaste. This is softer and more interesting than Whistlepig 10. It’s surprising how much difference just two years plus a relatively intense wine finishing can make. I thought the 10 year old was pretty ho-hum but this is a much more accomplished effort and it’s the sauternes and fortified red combination that makes it. Water makes the nose a little dusty but does not spoil it, however it significantly amplifies the minty notes on the palate to the point where it loses balance. I preferred this one neat. This seems to be around $120 in the U.S., is that correct? Remarkably, we pay less than that here (around AUD$150) and it must be the only US spirit for which that can be said. I’m not sure I’d pay that much anyway, but then I’m not really a rye enthusiast, however this is a good whiskey. “Good” : 84/100 (3.75 stars)