I'll do this review as a comparison between 2007 and 2008, which I think some people will appreciate. To be clear, both are excellent, and you can't go wrong with either. 2007 is a deeper, darker tasting, more charred drinking experience. There is a good kind of bitterness to this, in the same way that good coffee is bitter but smooth. I get burnt toffee notes with hints of dark cocoa and coffee, and a a medicinal quality throughout. Finally, I get highly caramelized sweetness on the back end that reminds me of burnt (practically blackened) sugar. By comparison, 2008 is brighter and fruitier. It is dessert in the form of berry compote over medium toasted creme brulee. A perception of sweetness exists throughout, but it never strikes a bass note in the same way as the 2007. As I return to it, I find hints of licorice, candied orange, cardamom, and cognac. If I did not know that this was only aged in ex bourbon casks, I would swear to a brandy influence of some type. Neither is better than the other. Each brings something unique to the table. At the same time, the shared pedigree of excellence is undeniable.