Elements of Islay Sherry Cask, 54.5%

Lapsang souchong, tarry ropes, hot tires on asphalt, red chile, and peppermint—the smoke is in charge here. This is perfectly drinkable at cask strength, with an initial burst of red fruit flavors, cherry, plum, damson, and fig, backed with chocolate and peppery spice. As the pepperiness releases its grip, there’s tobacco, coffee bean, nutmeg, and leather, with toasted oak and cacao on a long spicy finish.