Nose: The proof really comes through on the nose. Hotter than something like Stagg B14, for instance. The briney, Smokey, peaty, salty flavors you would expect jump out of the glass. I get a slight vanilla note on the nose through all the wonderful brine. Touch of bitter dark chocolate. Taste: Bold and flavorful. Packs a serious punch. The proof really shows up all the way through on the palate but not in such a way that flavors dissipate. Immediately I find a light, almost sweet, candied bacon flavor. Imagine candied bacon with enough candy flavor only to hold off the heavily peppered and spicy seasoning on bacon. Flavor starts to fade into a dry, minty, black coffee, leathery, sherry type flavor before finishing with a hot spice that’s not as sweet as cinnamon but not quite as hot as a habanero. All the while a fatty slab of brisket is practically dissolving on the back of your tongue. Flavor complexity is out of this world and absolutely a shining point of this whiskey. Neat. 11.10.20.