What a rush of flavors right off the bat.  I have to believe there are a lot of fortified wine casks in this blend:  sherry, moscato, port, and plum wine all jump out of the glass.  The heavy, rich fruit flavors of raisins, apricots, and plums combine with a bloom of smoke and heat to form a first-rate nose. The flavors carry through from the nose, with luxurious fortified wines and their attendant fruit notes swirling around the tongue, which lights up with a spice cabinet.  It's the nose all over again, with less smoke and more spice.  There isn't much nuttiness or bitterness at all, so this falls squarely in the rich-fruity-spicy end of the spectrum. Nikka Whisky from the Barrel has a long, warm, lingering, and spicy finish.  My wife and I happened to pick it up about a year ago, on vacation, and were amazed by the quality. This is one of the best whiskies I've found for cigar-pairing, as the higher ABV and robust flavors hold up well even with a full-bodied cigar.