Initial impressions, new bottle: The nose is signature ECPB - massive and heavy, with a dense ethanol fog that seems to hang over the glass. As it clears, all of the classic notes emerge - cinnamon bark, leather, and cherry cola. The palate is viscous and powerful, but not overwhelmed by spice or heat. Salted caramel, vanilla, and leather dominate, but the underlying hint of lavender keeps everything in balance. The cinnamon spice remains present throughout, but never overtakes the palate, and the extremely long finish stays completely in balance - the quintessential Kentucky hug. A few drops of water heightens the floral notes on both the nose and palate, highlighting a slightly bitter tannic note in the finish. An empty glass yields perhaps the greatest surprise - a complex perfume of hazelnut, confectioners sugar, roses, and nail polish. Sublime. This is extraordinary both with and without water. Even from a neck pour, this is an outstanding representation of this expression.