Foir Gate Batch 26 Andalusia Key II

Drinking this neat, straight from the bottle. Four Gate is a guilty pleasure of mine. My collection isn't extensive, but I've had the opportunity to sample some exceptional pours. Immediately, a pleasant creamy vanilla with oak aromas appear. The finish seems to contribute significantly to the fruitiness, leaning towards raisin. I'm uncertain if this pour has fully developed yet, but it gives the impression of holding back. I'll need to try it again after a couple of days. A hint of cherry cola rounds it out, but it's overwhelmingly sweet, likely from the sherry finish. It's not quite candy, but definitely your favorite fruit pie with extra sugar. The undertones lean towards red licorice and black pepper; there might be a more refined way to describe it, but that's how it strikes me now. The palate is the highlight. It again presents sweetness, but a spice quickly emerges and persists strongly through the finish. There's also more oak. They really emphasized the palate on this one, and I appreciate it! It feels like my tongue has been held captive. I acquired this bottle through a deal, allowing me to purchase it below retail. At $200, I question if it matches some of 4G's more acclaimed releases. However, I thoroughly enjoy it at the price I paid.