Back in the 80’s when hair was big, collars were worn upright, and cocktails were exotic (Pina Coladas, Bay Breeze, Alabama Slammers, Kamakazis), whenever we went out to a club or bar I would often get a Sloe Gin Fizz. I was introduced to it by someone, now, long forgotten. Sweet and sour with bubbles. Now, it has finally come together: my world of yesteryear merging with my more straightforward whisky sipping. I would never have thought to try the mix the two. But, here we have it. Now, let me put “Take on Me” on the stereo, watch Top Gun and rekindle my days of yore with some whisky. A nose that lures, entices, and confuses. It is a unique and odd combination of aromas that individually provide nice aromas. But when combined, leave you scratching yet wanting another sniff. Take Red Licorice and cedar saw dust, mix in dill and ginger ale and place in a cellar next to old musty library books. As odd as it sounds, you are drawn to smell again. You can’t help yourself. A draw onto the palate, what starts off as seemingly easy grows intensely hot. Once the intensity begins to diminish, you can begin to detect some flavors. Sweet grenadine which then morphs into cherry NyQuil mixed with Ginger ale. As it starts to fade, it begins to turn bitter and spicy with lemon oil and black pepper. Water is needed to cool it down a bit. Dropping an ice cube on this hot summer evening, water draws out a brown sugar and vanilla qualities and tones down the cherry dominance. Definitely an improved whiskey with water/ice. That bitter, peppery finish fade continues and ultimately what’s stays on the palate with a flavor of cherries and cedar wood. This remains for a fair length finally leaving the palate woody and dry, like chewing on a toothpick. The nose is like nothing similar to anything I have encountered before. The unique aroma that s definitely the strongest segment of the whiskey. The cherry flavor from the Sloe Gin is well infused. However, it does dominate and smothers the other flavors and may mask some that aren’t strong enough to break through. It is definitely young and vibrant and the added punch in abv is always good. It’s good but and would grab one if I happened to see it on a shelf. But I wouldn’t seek it out in particular. Thanks @PBMichiganWolverine for the ample pour. [86/100][Tasted: 7/23/22]