Neat— nutty and leathery, oak, hints of pear, apple, and bay leaf on the nose. Palate gives menthol, dried cherries, oak. With a small cube the nose sweetens somewhat, Carmel syrup and cashews with a little saddle leather remaining. The leather really comes out in the palate with sugared, toasted nuts and some char. I like this one better with the cube, and it’s quite good, but I prefer the 9 yr reserve single barrel at barrel proof to this bottle.