58.4% ABV 8 Year | Barrel #1465 Nose - (w/o water) Sweet dark vanilla toffee, cinnamon spice, light sweet mint, buttered rye toast (w/ water) not much change. Taste - (w/o water) Heavy cinnamon spice/heat/tingle, dark chocolate covered dark toffee, sweet mint, hint of cherry coke concentrate (w/ water) Spice softens up considerably, dark chocolate, sweet mint is barely present now, more balanced cherry coke concentrate. Finish - (w/o water) Lingering cinnamon spice, lightly drying, woody cherry coke concentrate (w/ water) Lingering vanilla, chocolate, cherry coke concentrate. Score - 92/100 Final Thoughts - This was a really great rye. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't pick up a few more bottles when I had the chance because for the price I paid back then, this is a fantastic cask strength, 8 year old rye that hits all the notes I like in a rye. Nice sweet mint I usually get from MGP combined with a nice cherry coke concentrate flavor I quite like. A tiny bit of water really opens it up and softens out most of the harsh/woody notes in this. This would be great both neat with a tiny bit of water, or in a basic old fashioned. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes