Nose - (w/o water) Initially very hot but tames with about 15 mins of air time, dark vanilla toffee, leather, dark chocolate, syrupy dried dark stone fruits (w/ water) exponentially less heat, more mellow toffee, addition of dark cherries to nose. Taste - (w/o water) Chewy, oily mouthfeel, white pepper tingle, dark chocolate covered syrupy dried dark stone fruits, ginger, orange zest (w/o water) heat is all but gone, more milk chocolate, very fruity still, orange zest more prominent, dried dark fruits, dried berries. Finish - (w/o water) Lingering dark chocolate covered fruit, ginger spice, fruity sweet, light bitter berry fruit (w/ water) less spice tingle, more balanced fruity chocolaty sweet Score - 93/100 Final Thoughts - This was initially super hot on the nose but after a bit of air time it tamed quite a bit. Once it does though, it does have a great nose, albeit a tiny bit one dimensional with chocolate covered dark fruits w/ a hint of toffee, but it's great. Oddly enough, this is only 48% but I find that it's a bit hot at that proof and it takes a tiny bit of water wonderfully. A tiny bit of water opens everything up, eliminates the burn and the flavors seem a lot more balanced and just pop out more. This is a fantastic dram when you want something desserty or a nice sherry bomb. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes