The richness and complexity are evident from the color and nose: dark, reddish amber and plenty of baking spice with a touch of anise mingled with a dominant woody vanilla. The palate yields more of the same with notes of a berry fruitiness adding another layer. It remains quite spicy until you add a dash of water or a small cube of ice - then it starts to let the richer, sweeter flavors shine. But the spiciness carries it through a fairly long finish. An excellent Scotch whose edges are carefully sanded to a beautiful roundness.