A rich, darkly sweet nose is balanced with plenty of spice and some punchy ethanol. Molasses, dark cherries in syrup, chocolate, white pepper, baking spices, bay leaf, dried mint, charred oak, and vanilla buttercream all combine for a truly pleasing aroma. The palate is initially bittersweet, with an almost sour note, and really brings the “Pepper” with notes of cracked peppercorns and cayenne alike. The bitterness quickly fades and brown sugar, crème de menthe, and cherry vanilla cola take over while the heat remains. The mouthfeel is satiny and full. The whiskey clings to the glass tenaciously, forming a skirt that beads fairly quickly but bleeds slowly. While tears drop and thin yet uniform legs appear, it holds the line nearly perfectly unbroken like stalwart soldiers. The finish shows a bit of orange peel, mild oak, more vanilla, subtle lingering herbal notes, cigar papers, some pomegranate, rose petal, and a little toasted coconut. Great straight or over ice. Nose: 10 Taste: 8 Body: 9 Finish: 9