Initial vanilla and fruit aromas are quickly overtaken by savory notes of fresh dill, licorice, earth, and alpine herbs. The palate serves up some figgy fruit, dried cherry, and sassafras leaf, but the style is clearly oak-driven, perhaps hinting at roasted chestnuts and some dusty, stale spices. Even with water, it remains a bit hot, and while somewhat angular oak lacks integration and holds it back from greatness, there’s still a lot to enjoy for wood fans.

Reviewed by: Jeffery Lindenmuth (Winter 2019)