Nose: A delicate woody presence with vanilla, corn syrup and honey notes. Some fruity and mild spice hints, a touch of mint and very subtle coconut. It's cask-driven but laid-back, the oak being firm and noticeable but not brash. A very pretty nose. [The dry glass aroma is sawdust and leather]. Palate: Oily and sweet arrival. The development brings out spicy flashes of rye and confirms the cask-driven heart of this spirit. In the mid palate a prominent spearmint note comes forward supported by clove oil and cinnamon. A nice balanced texture. Finish: Medium. Dry, but not sour, and mildly bitter (the bitterness of dark chocolate). The aftertaste is pleasantly sweet. This is a gentle bourbon - once you get your head around that it all falls into place. Some whiskey is sweet, some spicy, some hot and intense, some powerful and grippy - this one is gentle with a cooling mint character throughout that is balanced by just a little warm spice. The nose improves substantially once you let it stand and develop in the glass for 5 minutes - try it if you don't believe me. This one really blossoms and fills out with lots of rich honeyed wood spice notes. It's a good combination of elements overall, and given the very reasonable price this whisky represents value for money. It is acceptable to sip neat (very pleasant and easy, in fact) and it's a very good mixer. Just don't expect it to knock your socks off - that's not what it's all about. "Average" : 77/100 (2.5 stars)