First impressions: This whiskey pours with thick, fast legs and a slow, viscous trail. Nose: It kicks off with a delightful mix of vanilla, oak, and a floral touch, followed by some grain spice and oak tannins. There’s a hint of sawdust, cream soda, and maybe even a trace of marzipan. Palate: The real show begins with a spicy blast of black pepper, astringency, and a zesty lemon kick. It's got a wine vibe with some vegetal and grassy notes. There's an unexpected effervescence, red berries, and almonds. With a bit of water, a faint sweetness starts to peek through, but it's mostly all about the spice and a tad bit of bitterness. Finish: The finish keeps you on your toes with more spice, black pepper, and a hint of cinnamon. There’s a refreshing grapefruit tang, some sourness from grapes, and a touch of bitterness from the tannins. It's short to medium with a little effervescence lingering in the background. Opinion: The wine finish really stands out here. You can almost taste the wine influence, giving the liquid a fizzy, citrusy, peppery, and spicy character. This first pour is quite a ride, and I’ll definitely let it oxidate and revisit. Cheers!