(Barrel No. 1596, Rick No. 69, Dumped 7/7/23) A rich and gently spiced nose with subtle notes of burnt sugar, tobacco, and leather to start. Gradually a floral note of honeysuckle emerges, along with sweet apples dipped in honey, a hint of cherry hard candy, tootsie roll, vanilla bean, and even a touch of lemon verbena. Richer and spicier on the palate, with brown sugar syrup, stewed dark fruits in dark honey, sassafras, a pinch of peppermint, light cinnamon stick, charred hickory wood, black as well as cayenne pepper, and vanilla caramel plus a drop of citrus peel. The body is nice and thick, velvety nearing chewy. Legs form quickly but are slow as they descend, neat, small, and tightly packed. Then, as the curtains fall, the legs come together and accelerate in fat, juicy droplets. On the long but soft finish sweetness lingers at first, with cherry and vanilla accompanied by an almond like nuttiness. As it goes on, it becomes drier and more tannic with long lasting notes of musty old oak approaching walnut bitterness. Nose: 9 Palate: 10 Body: 9 Finish: 8