Nose

Outstanding aroma, kicked off by a spicy prickle that any Bourbon lover will immediately recognise as the hallmark of the old Ancient Age distillery. Satisfying, deep, gently vanilla-ed and molassed with even a sprig of sweet mint.

Palate

A rip-roaring waxy sweetness checked by a big build up of vanilla-rich oak. Corn is chewy and rye offers a rich-textured background.

Finish

Dries at last as the oak takes command, but rye offers extra depth and a layer of bitterness as does a lingering liquorice.

Comment

Big, moody, uncompromising and complex beyond belief. One of the world's great whiskeys.