A heavy merlot scent is immediately gripping, so much so, nosing blind, one could be forgiven if they thought it was wine and not a finished whiskey. The aroma also hosts a notable sweet side thanks to additional scents of strawberry rhubarb and strawberry creme. The pleasant aroma further offers a touch of rye spice, maple, and cinnamon that provides depth. A sweet and chipper aroma that is all around quite agreeable. Decidedly red wine in focus, there is no mistaking it’s wine cask finish. Leaning towards a merlot flavor profile, notes of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, with additional stone fruit notes of cherry and apricot showing through. As the initial red wine onslaught elapses, brown sugar, vanilla, and a touch of coffee bean flourish. Its surprisingly structured once you get past its strong red wine first impression. As its red wine dryness advances, the whiskeys lingering stone fruit notes dissipate. They are replaced with stout beer roastedness. Additional mild hints of coffee and dark chocolate are delivered along with roasted malt. Equal parts strange and complex, the finish provides an interesting tasting experience that doesnt quite work, but doesnt quite fail either.