My first tasting of this whiskey was a poor one. On first nosing (unwatered @50%) I got strong alcohol (paint thinner) and banana - neither my favourite in a whiskey. The more I sniffed the more overpowering and headache inducing it was. Twenty minutes later it still felt like I was punched in the snout. However, on subsequent tastings, watered down and left for a while to open I found this to be a fine whiskey. I got new wood on the nose. and the taste of dark chocolate, biscuits and some dried fruit, almost like a sherried whiskey (although I believe this isn't). Like Harry Dunne, you totally redeemed yourself!