Very Very Old Fitzgerald, 12 years old

Occasionally, I'm invited to sample an exceptionally old and expensive whiskey. This time, a friend who previously shared a 'Very Old Fitzgerald' invited me to try a 'VERY VERY OLD FITZGERALD,' a 12-year-old bourbon at 100 proof (50% ABV). While my expertise lies more in Scotch than bourbon, I always appreciate a good dram, especially one that's vintage, rare, and wonderful. On the nose, it's incredible. It carries an aroma of age: like an old library, with notes of cherries, prunes, and soap. There are also hints of brownies and figs. Very refined. Glue notes are present too. On the palate, it's equally amazing. A strong prune flavor, almost like prune POWDER, though I can't explain how. It feels aged. Green mangoes remind me of my high school days, waiting at traffic lights where people sold these green mangoes from their cars. The aftertaste is entirely different, yet still excellent. Burnt matches, wonderful spices, wasabi and/or chili. It tastes like dust. Cardboard. Yes, all of that is accurate. Overall, this is a super interesting dram. It doesn't quite resemble anything I've tasted before. I wouldn't drink it all night, but experiencing it once seems worthwhile. Due to its excellence but significant differences between the nose, palate, and aftertaste, I'm deducting 2 points for balance. So, 98/100. Cheers!