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

I like the contrast between the soft caramel and vanilla and that lively run of spices. The nose adds a welcome change of pace, shifting from raw almonds to candied almond the longer it sits in the glass, while dark chocolate carries through to a long finish with cigar smoke and wood chips. There’s plenty competing for attention, so this sounds less restrained than my usual preference, but the sweet and spicy sides seem to keep each other in check.

Reviewed by bluehour.tram

Nose

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

Palate

Cinnamon, cracked pepper, allspice, and ginger with caramel and soft vanilla notes.

Finish

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