Nose: You get some of that floral note common in much of Japanese whisky but this also has a much bigger note of sweetness. I don't get any of the malty grain I got from the last whisky I tried (Nikka Coffey Malt). This is pretty punchy. Palate: You can get the higher proof here without being too hot or overwhelming. Good spiciness; some black pepper, cinnamon, some toffee or brown sugar sweetness. Again, good punchiness and the more I sip the more I enjoy. Finish: Lightly peaty/smoky, more spicy sweetness. Again, you can tell this is bottled at a higher than normal proof and the finish is decently long.