When sniffing it, it immediately hits the nose with sherry and caramel, with vanilla, malty, raisin undertones and a hint of honey, oak, almond, and spice. Upon sipping, it begins with a highly oxidized sherry note, with some apple, cinnamon, malt, honey, and caramel. After that, it develops into a more standard Irish whiskey, as the buttery biscuit and honey starts to take a more center stage, with the sherry becoming more chocolately and spice oriented rather than fruity. As it finishes, it is reminiscent of almond, chocolate, and caramel, with a sweet oaky raisin quality to it. I think if someone handed me this blind, I could be convinced it’s an 8 year single malt. I definitely think this stands up to some single malts I’ve had, and is definitely worth the money.