Appearance: Oak amber color in the bottle. If it was maple syrup it would be a medium amber – It is a beautiful thing! On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass which belies its viscosity. Sitting in the glass it looks like a small puddle of sap or nectar.

First Impression: Smoky and more understated and delicate than the Scorpion Silver. Dry, with a bouquet of lime, citrus, and cucumber – salt, and savory herbs, and on more warming: char, creosote, some spiciness. The oak aging even at only 6 months shines through.

Taste: Dry and sweet at the same time somehow, with citrus, leather, dry smoke and lime, hints of cardamon, nutmeg. It is resinous on the tongue and mouth feel, whispers down the throat and then leaves a rather delicate warming considering the 80 proof. It has a smokey, spicy aftertaste like a mesquite campfire.