Nose: Not a typical bourbon on the nose; dark fruit jump out before any of the subtle vanilla and oak. Plums and other dark stone fruit along with nutmeg and cocoa powder remind of a black forest cake. Very gentle smoke is accompanied by earthier notes of dry twig and dirt. Sweeter maraschino cherries and chocolate, darker than milk chocolate, follow with blackberries and dried mangoes. Adding water brings about a strong almond notes. Letting it air out gives a strong toffee flavour. Taste: stronger oak cask influence and earthier tones of dry soil are followed by a much more apparent smoke from the islay cask influence. Stone fruit are ever present with ginger spice and malt. Light caramel and chocolate come through with cherries. Finish: medium length, dry with stronger oak and vanilla, subtle smoke and ever-present dark stone fruit flavours