On the nose, I get sweet brown sugar, cola nut, vanilla, candied orange peel, pipe tobacco, smoke, leather, light cinnamon, bran flakes and a hint of cloves with mint. - To the palate it hits a lot higher than typical. Oak first, smoky barrel char, then dark brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, black pepper, rye spice, wood spice, vanilla and a hint of red apples with nutmeg. - The finish builds with heat and spice, layered on top of oak and leather with continuing wisps of smoke and tobacco. — With a splash of water, the nose becomes more sweet, the flavours of leather and tobacco become more pronounced, with more oak in the finish. However, the rich spice notes recede into the background. —//— Bourbon Mark: 88 —//— For my first time trying this bourbon, I’m fairly happy with it. It’s recognizably a classic bourbon, but does have a uniqueness all its own. I never tried the original 12-Year release, so cant make the comparison. This tastes mature, leaning towards the oak end of the flavour spectrum.