Awesome request with all information filled out, first of all. Amazing how many other entries are terribly incorrect and pay nothing but offense to the work put into these whiskeys. I've had a few different voyages before (although don't remember which ones), and it doesn't take any type of expert to taste the easy difference that the sea imparts, and no other distillery makes anything that comes even close to this taste or idea. I've been in a heavy seafaring mood lately, so instead of rum or brandy, I wanted to get creative to encompass my preferred taste. I've seen voyages 17 through 22 in stores around for the last few weeks, and after reading the ship's log for 18, even though I didn't want a cask strength, I couldn't resist, as it just spoke to me. The scent here has lots of classic bourbon tropes, but I would guess this is best imparted from the proof, as there is a bit of burn that makes smelling temporary. There is certainly good rye spice, and plenty of caramel, or rather salted caramel, as is usually found in the Ocean series. There is also a faint sweet smell, something close to chocolate or aged grape, either from wine or brandy. Given how unique the flavors are in the Ocean series, I feel that cask strength may actually take away some of the detection of said flavors, and make it harder to enjoy. I am unfortunately living this situation through this particular voyage. However, knowing Voyage 18 is only offered as cask strength, and given the heavy storms the vessel endured, I take this on as part of what the taste should be. So in this, the high proof and what I would guess high rye mash bill go to work making the palate very spicy at first. Salty sea air definitely has changed and sweetened the overall spirit, but there are less salty notes in the finish than there are sweet, which I find highly different from the other voyages. The finish does bring forth an almost chewable chocolate, which I'm loving because it reminds me of the other aforementioned classic spirits found on ships, so I get to have my whiskey flavors and a bit of sweet rum or Cognac all at the same time. Overall, this is a good offering, and truly a good price given how extremely unique it is, but not worth it to me personally. I believe enough is likely different between each voyage that they are all worth trying, but I likely won't partake in any of the cask strength offerings again, as there is still plenty to taste for the cost in the watered down versions.