appearance: chestnut oloroso sherry; many quick falling legs/tears nose: wood spice, vanilla, honey, citrus, fruit/berries, bourbon, ethanol, apricot... a bit of water brings cinnamon, milk chocolate, more vanilla and spices palate: "smooth" for being cask strength, candied apple, red apple. water brings out oak and astringency finish: hot, peppery, with heat resonating down the chest these are just some first impressions. for an irish whiskey, something about it reminds me of a bourbon. those not used to higher abv might notice and be put off by the ethanol heat/smell/taste. the regular redbreast 12 comes at 40% abv, so it would be interesting if they offered something in the 43-46% range. definitely something every serious whisky drinker should try at least once, since nothing else is like it