N: Powerful out of the gate (not surprising at 71.5%!) with wood immediately present and toffee right beside it. There is a kind of fall spice elemtn to the nose, with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and anise. There's also a butterscotch undertone to it. Big and bold but not closed off.

P: Warming immediately with more caramel sweetnes than the nose would indicate, with wood predominant. Continues to warm, has a molasses hint and a slight amount of saltiness to balance the caramel sweetness. Some dark fruits creep in - plums, black cherries. A little cold water and ice cuts the heat and woodiness and brings the fruitier notes to the front quite predominantly. It also pops out a little vanilla creaminess.

F: Cools from the palate; hints of apple pie, wood, mulling spices. Toffee is present as well. Plums and black cherries are also evident.

As far as 2010 goes I prefer William Larue Weller. It's great but a little short of being an A.