The front of the palette catches the buttery caramel flavor present in the nose, and the green apple from the nose is front and center but not overpowering. The heat is well-balanced with the spiced flavors that follow.

Over ice, the edge that this whiskey carries is smoothed over. I enjoyed it neat and with ice, or with a splash of water, but I preferred the zesty punch-counterpunch that drinking it neat provided. This whiskey is a perfect accompaniment to an evening of intellectual pugilism between friends.