Incredible nose, deep rich sweet caramel drizzle, warm vanilla. Slightly burnt raisin oatmeal cookies. Dusty old New England cider mill. Faint smoke, but not peat or charcoal... cigar ash? Some reference 'coffee' but my amateur skills don't detect it (and I prefer French-pressed, strong enough to float a spoon). Palate is immediate: Salted caramel and citrus, a bit diaphanous, but smooth as silk and mouth-watering. Noticeable mineral note, surprisingly bitter (perhaps even a touch over-oaked). Huge finish, starts bittersweet with a wash of menthol and mint, then a wake of oak spices and more salt. Lingering floral note at the very end. Sample generously shared by a courageous old friend who's not afraid to open a pricey bottle now and then. If life is made for living, whisky is made for DRINKING! Dry Glass: Cadbury 'Crunchie' Bar (a British chocolate candy).