Decided to thoroughly enjoy most of the bottle before rating this sought after spirit. After reading some of the lower/negative reviews, I was thankful I didn't get the same experience. Instead it was the contrary. Nose was vanilla dominant with caramel, apple, and nutmeg following suit. Palate first triggered flavors of spicy rye and caramel that melded into subtle tobacco. It ended with a warming yet punctuated cognac/barrel finish. Mouthfeel started out slightly oily with the sweeter flavoring and finished nicely dry when the cognac kicked in. Overall a tasteful experience that I would most certainly delve into again. I pledge an Oath to seek out the future Pacts.