The nose is nicely balanced, soft and sweet while equally spicy and lively. Maraschino cherries, red plums, apple blossoms, a dash of lemon zest, Demerara sugar, tootsie rolls, vanilla egg nog, pink pepper, unseeded soft rye bread, fresh dill, a hint of menthol, watermelon chewing gum, a touch of tobacco, a pinch of cloves, and mildly charred wood. The palate too is complex, sweet and spicy with brown sugar, lots of syrupy fruit in the form of Fruits of the Forest pie filling, more pepper, slightly sour apple skins, mandarin, some cayenne, and a pinch of cinnamon. The body is above average, with a silky mouthfeel. Proper legs take some time to develop after an initial quick run of veins down the wall of the glass. These tease as they develop into near perfection only to dissipate into a smattering of mist immediately thereafter. The finish is slightly dry, and not too intense though lasting, with plenty of sweet dark fruit leather balanced by semi bitter nuts, especially macadamias, herbs, tea, a drop of vanilla, and a whisper of oak. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 8 Finish: 8