Looking at the proof I expected this to jump out of the glass, but it’s hauntingly deceptive. The nose gives off musty corn notes with some herbs and vanilla darting in and out of the background. It’s very muted, as if it’s taunting you to take a sip. The palate takes you straight to flavourtown, with sweet citrus fruit up front, then it explodes with spice and heat. It reminds me of a high rye mash but I don’t think this is. (13% maybe?) Regardless, it delivers baking spice, more herbs and then vanilla.. all with enough ethanol to clear the sinuses and kill all my gut biome. Delicious. Finish is medium long, with more pepper and dark toffee at first, then gobs of #4 charred oak. Dry and stringent, and despite what happened in the palate, not much heat. To think that just last night I sat here reviewing a bottle of gentleman jack for only 20 dollars less is mind boggling. Grab a bottle of this!