The nose is cigar box, pipe tobacco, Madeira cake, and toffee in that order of ascent, but then there’s a rush of oaky vanilla, limestone, flint and sweetened breakfast cereal. Hearty but elegant, woody but grainy, and floral yet spicy, which is quite an achievement. The entry is high octane and scintillating followed by lush tastes of raisins, prunes, mince pie, candied walnut, chocolate covered cherry, heather honey, toasted marshmallow, praline, nougat and pecan pie.  The aftertaste underscores the attributes at aroma, entry and midpalate, bringing them into a grand finale that is hugely satisfying.

— F. Paul Pacult