Nose (5): A spicy kind of sweetness that is surprising for a rye. Lots of candied fruits, some raspberries. Very decadent nose made me want to dive right into it. More it sat in the glass, the more it bloomed. I kept wanting to smell it over and over again Palate (4.75): Rich, sweet, spicy but not loud. I got a hit of chocolate followed by some fig and then the baking spices. The spice seems more subtle for a rye and isnt in your face but plays almost like a bold seasoning instead of being the standout. This is done nicely Finish (4.5): Nice even finish. Rounds out to a creamy frosting-like taste that stays on the back palate. This is my very first experience of any Highwest product and it definately didnt dissapoint. I tasted this next to 2018 Thomas Handy Antique Collection and in my opinion it was a dead heat. Handy may have gotten a slight edge when they were then tasted blind, but I need to get a bottle of this. It was fantastic.