Having really enjoyed the Gold Label, the NAS version, I was intrigued to try the older version. I am struck with a fast succession of overlapping flavours like fenil, herbs, spice, tangy bitterness, rye and leather, the flavours then drop and then reform: mint coffee, smoke and then a peppery, smooth, honeyed, finish, some oak notes and finally, a subtle, lingering taste of candy floss. Granted the finish is longer, but it tastes younger, rather discordant, with an off bitter and tangy set of flavours paired with strange, excessive sweetness. It's a bizarre mix of bourbon flavours and Irish whiskey, too styles at times close, but here seemingly on different planets that should never be destined to meet.