A heady nose, rich and peaty with loads of iodine, salty seaweed, ozone, ashy but resinous cherrywood, a dusting of black pepper, a touch of licorice root and star anise, some rosemary, sweet florals, honey, vanilla, and a tinge of citrus zest. Far sweeter on the tongue than the nose would suggest. Smoky, earthy, and peppery but delectably sweet. Rich buttercream frosting on burnt vanilla cake, toffee and coffee, more star anise, cayenne, cinnamon, and key lime pie with toasted meringue. Legs form quickly yet hang on for awhile, heavy and healthy uniform veins subtly fade into a dense cloud of plump droplets. The mouthfeel is velvety until swallowed then coating in a waxy sort of way. It’s overall on the lighter side of full bodied. The finish is long, peaty, grassy, oaky and tannic, briny and reminiscent of salted caramel and dark chocolate with walnuts. Nose:9 Palate: 10 Body: 9 Finish: 10