Rare Character The Exceptional Series 10 Year Old, American Oak Cask, Cask #E-M13-23, 2013, Rare Character, 67.5%

The sweet caramel and soft vanilla against cinnamon, cracked pepper and ginger sounds like a satisfying balance. The dark chocolate and cigar smoke finish gives it a darker edge, which keeps it from feeling too soft.

Reviewed by pocket kettle

Nose

Toffee, raw almonds turning candied the longer it sits in the glass, sweet dark chocolate, ripe plum, wafts of chili pepper.

Palate

Cinnamon, cracked pepper, allspice, ginger, caramel, soft vanilla.

Finish

Long, with dark chocolate truffle, cigar smoke, wood chips.