Bottled 11/06/2020 Age 3 years 62.9% abv; 125.8 proof Open 17 months Nose - Hot ash and coals, cigar smoke, brisket burnt ends, dark honey, toffee, raisins, heavy oak, and heavy ethanol. Palate - Surprisingly light when it first touches the tongue, light ash, black pepper, hickory chips, grilled peaches, really dry raisins, almonds, unsweetened black tea, and delicious charred meats. Finish is long with strong and bitter oak tannins, Laphroaig ash sans the brine, burnt black tea, hints of honey and raisins, and a medium ethanol bite. When I first cracked this, I thought it was one of the best things I've ever tasted. But as it opens up the sugar and fruit fade while the oak and smoke take over. This happens with almost all Balcones products I've tasted. I like them much more the first few weeks. This cask strength peated malt is stickier, woodier, and smokier than any cask strength Islay I've had. If you want more smoke and ash from an Islay that you're not getting with Laphroaig Cask Strength or Ardbeg Corryvreckan, you'll love this. For me, I think a sherry finish would've made this outstanding, as it needs that fruit component to round it out. It's still really good stuff, but one pour occasionally is enough.