Rich, deep, dark and phenolic. Heavy peat smoke dominates at first, but doesn’t overwhelm. Nosing sees the smoke dissipate, coaxing greater sweetness and woody spice from this nuanced aroma. Notes of dark honey, vanilla bean, Plumeria/Frangipani, red berries/grapes, candied lemon-lime citrus, fig, and crystallized ginger intertwine with peat phenols, toasted nuts, plus slight saline and sulfur. Tasting radiates hot peppery spice and citric acid first. Then the complexity of the flavor unfolds as the heat gives way to luxuriant dried fruits in dark syrup. Apricot, pineapple, coconut, and prunes. Next comes a cooling spearmint. Medium-full bodied with good viscosity. Legs are quick but thick, starting off a bit disorderly, but immediately falling in line, descending evenly spaced and in unison. The finish is dry, phenol forward, almost mentholated. The fruit and syrup sweetness fades to vegetal, somewhere between cavendish and mint. Oak tannins are pronounced, even for its age, suggesting lightly salted mixed nuts. Finally, ginger takes the farewell bow. Aroma: 10 Taste: 10 Body: 9 Finish: 8