Ezra Brooks 99 Special Cask Finished Series Port Wine Cask Finished, 49.5%

Quite a fruity start, as blackberry preserves, PB&J, and lemon rise from the glass. The palate is hot and packed with more berry fruit, though there are herbaceous elements to parse out as well: spearmint, licorice, and cherry cough drop. With water, the heat’s been wrangled and brings out creamy chocolate. The mid-length finish has chocolate raspberry truffles and a pleasant honeyed sweetness.