The nose is strong, rich and spicy. Plenty of alcohol, barrel char, oaky spice, pickle juice and fruit up front. After a bit of breathing subtler notes become evident, vanilla bean, gingerbread, cinnamon, cayenne, lemon drops, cherry lozenges, and a hint of milk chocolate. Hot on the tongue upon entry, lots of prickly chili pepper, fresh ginger, and Atomic FireBall candies. There’s a momentary sharp bitterness, almost like tasting alum. However, this is followed quickly by a torrent of sweetness and a great depth of flavor. Dark caramel and fruit syrup, with Meyer lemon, cherry, apple, peaches, plums, and even figs. Spice follows in the same vein as that detected on the nose. The body is plush and velvety, as soft on entry as the palate is harsh. Legs are rapid yet thick, leaving behind a couple of skirts of broken bells, one at mid glass and the other just above the liquid. The finish is not as dry as expected, considering the intensity up to this point, but it’s woody, nutty, and pleasant. There’s charred oak, walnut, and a touch of cocoa powder. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 9 Finish: 8 Date barreled: 03-2016 Barrel age: 7 years, 5 months Serial no.: 004004310 Warehouse: BN-D