Sherry is clearly evident on the nose. Hints of nuts, dried raisins and dark brown sugar/molasses in the background. Initially sweet on the palate. Cinnamon and nutmeg arrive along with trace amount cereal notes. As it finishes, the spice notes become dominant: black pepper, cinnamon fading leaving a small amount of burn on the tongue. The dark brown sugar notes are the last remnants and as the flavor slowly fades. Water tames the bite and rounds out the sherry with the sweet elements. Definintely more vibrant without water, but rounder with the addition. Prefer with a splash. Overall, this whisky has been hit or miss with me. At times, it has been decent or it has been a disappointment. An inconsistent whisky for me. I did tuck this away for some time and maybe the harshness that I initially found has been reduced and the dram has sweetened and tamed. [$46][84/100][Revisited: 7/25/15;11/8/15]