appearance: chestnut oloroso sherry, with many slow moving legs nose: wood spices, cherry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon, caramel, citrus, christmas-y sweetness palate: bitter oak, honey, pepper, spice, cinnamon (red hots?), leather, citrus; water adds more 'bite' finish: smooth, bitter, dry; water strangely makes it more 'hot' let me tell you that I spent a LOT more than I enjoyed this, but it was one of those 'bucket list' experiences. it might take a few more drams and/or experimenting with other distilleries before I can offer a cheaper experience for basically the same thing. along with ancient age, this is the only other buffalo trace #2 mashbill tried, and it's only a slight improvement