Captivating with its deep amber hue, this dram is an elixir that clings to the glass like resin. The nose blooms enticingly slowly, and I sense tart cherry preserves, aromatic tobacco, and banana tarte tatin; as it continues to open up a sweet oiliness becomes apparent. The palate features so many qualities at once, and the mystery is that each note you find plays seamlessly together, not distracting you from one that you'd think would be out of place. Among these are raspberries and cream, polished leather, gentle brine, an unreal woodiness, and mellowed peat. These are discovered in the midst of a leathery mouthfeel. The opposites keep attracting in the finish, where the burn is intensely tannic yet delicately suave, spicy like chili powder yet refreshing like mint. This was accompanied brilliantly by a My Father Nicaraguan cigar rolled exclusively for Federal Cigar in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. All in celebration of Mitch's wedding. Cheers.