A subtly sweet and fruity nose, with floral top notes, a bit of ethanol, green apple, unripe nectarine, and even some Concord grape. Base notes include soft vanilla taffy, caramel cream chews, and a sprinkling of oaky spice. Sweet and mild to the taste at first, with thin caramel, stone fruit with vanilla cream, and a drop of citrus. Then spice erupts, first in the form of cinnamon, and then zesty rye with a pinch of red pepper heat, but then it subsides rather quickly. Light to medium bodied, with an interesting texture that transforms from almost watery to downright velvety as it rests in the mouth. Legs are fairly quick but attractive, like beads of melting wax dripping down a candle. The finish is short in its intensity, mildly spicy, with sweet vanillin, a touch of banana, maple, a little lingering cinnamon warmth and just a hint of nutty oak. A very pleasant dram, albeit a bit watered down. Although, I imagine if the proof were much higher the ethanol might become harsh acetone. It’s a sweet treat best enjoyed neat. Nose: 8 Taste: 8 Body: 8 Finish: 8