Little Rest Double Matured Cask Strength, 62.6%

From New York’s Tenmile Distillery. The nose is quite earthy to start, yielding licorice, cloves, anise, and a packet of dried herbs. With time, sweeter aromas come forth: peach rings, blueberry-maple syrup, vanilla extract, and blueberry-lemon scone. Have tissues on hand for the palate; it’s an eye-watering experience, but beneath the heat are a beautiful texture and bounty of flavors, ranging from baking chocolate and brownie batter to leather and pecans. Cherry-dipped chocolate soft serve, cocoa powder, and raspberry coulis conclude the journey (which improves with water).