This is a special sipper, with intense, thick caramel and toffee on nose and palate, and a long mocha fade accented by peppery spice. Adding water-a fair amount is needed for this overproof rye-brings out dark chocolate tones and a nice plushness. This eight-year-old rye is aged in extra-charred barrels (level five, not the traditional level three) to extract deeper oak and spice tones. As always, this release honors late Master Distiller Parker Beam and benefits ALS research and patient care in his memory.