Nose: The initial impression is oak. Next there's a pleasant compote of warm spices (cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg) that interweave with the wood tannins. Behind that there are cereal notes, vanilla and pale sultana fruit cake. When first poured there is a volatile wisp of ethanol, but thankfully that goes away as it opens to reveal a creamy foundation. Palate: Soft at first but developing into a very dry, almost astringent, palate that is again all about oak tannins. There's a dark chocolate note as well and some restrained spiciness but overall the palate is fairly simple with a sweet/dulcet quality balancing the dryness of the tannins. Finish: Long (very long) once again with a focus on oak and spice, but gaining sweetness and depth as it tails off. Some light orange and sugar syrup. The final note is vanillin from the cask, a hint of wintergreen, and a tiny bitter/sour tang. Very much a cask-driven experience, fundamentally "woody", but both complex and subtle. Let this one rest for a few minutes before nosing - it's worth it. The palate is basically a continuation of the nose and is what I think of as a "fast" palate, by which I mean it develops strong flavours fairly quickly and then stops just as quickly. However these flavours linger to produce a very long and satisfying finish (much longer than you might think at first) that highlights the rye component. A splash of water does this whiskey no harm at all, and is recommended. It leaves the profile intact but broadens the palate, emphasizing the rye slightly and adding a mellowness to the whole proceedings. Water also produces an almost floral note on the nose and adds integration throughout. A good whisky - if only the palate was just a little more complex and extended it would be a great one. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)