I started my LOT40 journey with LOT40 Dark Oak. Dark Oak is one of my favourites to date. I had to pick up the regular Lot40 to see if it measured up for $20CAD less. The nose has a lot of the same similarities between the two bottles. I get a rush of menthol off the top as if you just bit into a piece of excel gum. Once you get past that, I get maraschino cherry, sweet spices, and oak. Not as much oak as I get from the Dark Oak bottle, but it is there once I let the dram sit for a little. The palette is spicy, light, and smooth, with a hint of chocolate. It is very approachable. The spicy warmth lasts longer than expected for me. LOT40 has become my go to for Old Fashions and other whiskey cocktails. I will also use it as an entry point for friends who want to level up from the generic mixers. If you remotely enjoyed this bottle you need to try the Dark Oak version. Overall 6.75/10