Color: rich red caramel. Light tears. Nose: sherry, fruit, witch hazel, alcohol, cherry cordial. Neat: sweet on the lips, spicy, hot alcohol on the tongue, clove, cinnamon, turpentine, long finish. With quite a bit of water: brings out the cherry on the nose. Opens the sweetness and fruit, tones down the alcohol. Has a note of brandied fruitcake. The sherry wood lingers long on the finish as the sweetness dissipates. This is strong and delicious! Big Bang for your buck!