| Rich Howard | candied fruits, blackberry jam, ripe plums, sangria, maduro tobacco, definite hints of spent matchsticks and sulfur, after a few minutes, whiffs of dark chocolate. the palate is very strong, and incredibly dense and intense, with mulled wine and sangria fruits, cinnamon and cloves, chocolate-covered pretzels (and a few vanilla-covered ones as well), notable hints of sulfur on the finish here as well. water brings out blackcurrant jam on the nose, with chocolate-covered cherries, candle wax, english toffee and nougat, natural cigar wrapper, cedar cigar box. the palate is sweeter and spicier, perhaps fewer fruits but more cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, tobacco, linen and cedar. summary: tons of christmas fruits and spices, plenty of tobacco and cedar... maybe have a bit too much sulfur for some. water will take you on an endless journey. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards] |
