I had bought this bottle years back, and finally opened it last night with some friends. First thing that strikes you is the appearance of the bottle itself. Twenty four sides to it, and a heavy weight and feel. The liquid itself is deep mahogany...not sure if coloring is added. Pop open the cork and you immediately smell sandlewood and cherry blossoms. Floral taste. Some incense like you smell in Asian temples. I think that might be effect of the mizunara? Overall, it's a really good dram, worthy of a special occasion. I'm sure I paid much less years ago, but prices now seem to be $500-600...not sure if I'd spend that much on it today, certainly not ' blow your mind' level that warrants anywhere close to that price tag. At $150, a no-brainer 5 stars. But at $500-600...not so sure. On a side note: Do not add water or ice. It kills the floral aromas and sandlewood taste...turns it bitter. Update 12/1: now that bottle is almost empty, oxidation has set in. I had a small taste last night, and got a pronounced sandlewood aroma. Never tasted that in a whisky before, and certainly never smelled it anywhere outside Indian or Buddhist temples