BARRELL SEAGRASS (BATCH 119.3 PROOF) *NOSE: The Grassy Rye notes are there, but mostly in a supporting role. Center stage are Fresh Tropical Fruits (Pineapple, Mango, Melon), Apricots, Plum, Granny Smith Apple, and White Raisins. There is Oak, but not Charred, more Weathered and Dry. There is also some Herbaceous Qualities found in good Canadian Ryes. Licorice, Cardamom, Star Anise, and Spearmint. Unique and Very Good. *NEAT: This is my 3rd go around with Seagrass, but the first sip is still an all out assault on the tastebuds. Your taste receptors have a hard time processing all the things that are thrown at them at one time. You get blasted with that Thick, Clingy Herbaceous Rye, Jammy Fruits, Mulling Spice, and Oak Tannins all at the same time followed by a lingering aftertaste of Black Licorice. Diving back in better prepared, the Brandy is front and center with a sweetness that borders on cloying but never crosses the line. Apricot Jam, Fig Preserves, White Grape Jelly. The Rye brings Grapefruit Peel, Pine Sap, Fennel, and Pepper Spice. Like the nose, the Wood is not Charred, but rather Weathered and Slightly Tannic. Finish is Long with a Glow spreading deep in the chest. That Clingy Mouthfeel leaves a layering coating of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Tannins. *SPLASH: A few drops of water and it gains a Floral/Perfumed Quality. On the Nose the Fruits become less intense and more creamy. The Brandy becomes less assertive allowing the Rum Barrel Influence to emerge with Molasses, Maple, and Butterscotch. The coating aftertaste is less complex and more "Minty". A few more drops and the sweetness becomes more Brown Sugar and Less Jam. You get Vanilla and Coffee with Sweet Cream. Verdict: This is a total assault on the senses. I don't know if I've ever had a whiskey with this much going on, but somehow it works. A Little Water doesn't diminish it at all, it merely changes it (if that makes sense). I really like this, but much like a Heavily Peated Scotch, it's so intense and over the top sweet I need to be in the mood for it. There are batches of this, distinguished by varying proofs, number of bottles, and a tiny little number visible with magnification hidden in the "grass" on the right of the label. I can imagine that there would be some differences with all the variables that go into producing this. One of the better whiskies I've tried in a while, but had I not been in the mood for it, I can see it being off-putting. If you see one at retail, It's definitely worth it to see if you like it as much as I did.