A OVERHOLT GLASS: Standard Glencairn NOSE: The nose is Great. The Malt shows first with Cocoa, Tea, and Cherry. The Rye brings Biscuit Dough, Mint, Ginger, and Cinnamon. I’m also getting a nice undercurrent of Confectioners Sugar. With some time, it’s a shapeshifter, as just when you think the herbal rye notes have finally taken over, a light swirl of the liquid brings back the Cocoa and Cherry. Well done! NEAT: Lives up to the nose. Sweet Tea and Cocoa on the initial sip. Sort of Oily on the palate with Cherry, Vanilla, Ginger, and Drying Oak as you continue. I also get hints of the “Old Garage” note (think of an old Full Service Gas Station with old motor oil and tires) that I get more prominently from other Old Overholt expressions. There’s a good bit of Peppery Spice on the Finish, leaving behind a Tingly coating aftertaste of Tea Leaves, Ginger, and Dry Dusty Oak. As it builds it becomes Cinnamon. Similar to the aftertaste of an Atomic Fireball. Nice Glow in the chest as well. Maybe a little hotter than its Proof, but in GOOD way. If there’s a flaw, it’s maybe I get a slight tannic note on the finish the further I get into the pour, but it’s not enough to cost it any points. SPLASH: A few drops of water brings some Brown Sugar to both nose and palate. VERDICT: Color me impressed. This is on par with the 10 year Cask Strength in my rankings. I love what Beam has been doing with this line (and others), and a new mashbill is a very welcome surprise. This is very well put together and I can see it being a keep on hand Item. Priced in line with Sazerac and Bulleit, and just above Rittenhouse seems about right to me. I also love the old style bottle and old fashioned cork. A solid 4 Stars.