Finally starting to slow things down. New digs. New locale. The holidays racing forward. But now a bit of downtime. Amongst the disarray of boxes, I found the sample provided by @pkingmartin. In a bourbon-y mood, this seems to fit this evenings mood. As this settles in the glass, that lovely aroma of leather-bound books that are a tinge musty awakens the senses. And that aroma just stays as the other aromas swim through. Baking spices make up some of those additional aromas. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger snap cookies. Cigar tobacco and then the fruits: Maraschino cherries, lemon and orange zests blend with the baking and oak spice. A sort of liquid Christmas. The spirit arrives rich, thick and syrupy. Subtly sweet counterbalanced with those aforementioned baking and wood spices. A Caramel and toffee swirl with cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger and black pepper (allspice essentially). The pepper spice crescendos, but as it ramps up in strength, bitter dark chocolate, like the 95% cocoa chocolate comes forward with dates and figs. Added in is charcoal and cigar ash which all work there way towards the finish. The finish is long lasting and and enjoyable. The oak and wood char coat and stick. Caramel, spearmint, cherries, apples, pears and the bitter dark chocolate. There are bourbons, the eveydayer’s that most are quite familiar. We mix and enjoy. Then there are bourbons the are we stumble upon or are given a sample and are blown away. This falls into that latter category. An exceptional bourbon that is bold, balanced, flavorful and aromatic with a long lasting finish. Thanks to @pkingmartin for sharing. A lovely pour. Cheers! [95/100][Tasted: 12/17/22]