Tastes

Apples.. lots of apples. Both on the nose and palate. Followed by some vanilla at the very end. You can definitely tell it's 100 proof too. Worth it though. I wasn't disappointed.

Vert pleasant nose, and equally good flavor. Alot of vanilla in this one, and a respectable amount of heat. Didn't try any water with it, but was enjoying it at the 94 proof.

I've had this built up as such a great bourbon, by so many people. Kind of a letdown. Very approachable, not alot of spice. But I found it to be lacking in flavor. The whole taste profile is over very quickly, with nothing spectacular to write home about. If you're new to whiskey, yah give it a go. It'll get your foot in the door without much fuss.

Pleasant for the money. Straight smells worse, but actually seems to have less of a hot mid palate. Adding a little water remove the initial bite, but harshens up mid, and then leaves a pleasant after taste. Smells a bit harsh without water, but with water, it develops kind of a floral note. For $12, it's not a bad whiskey.

I had hoped for much more with this. It's smooth, with no real hint of smoke. But it just felt bland, lacking complexity I've experienced in other spirits. Although, it does have an enjoyable lingering toffee/raisin flavor. Not bad overall, just hoped for more. *edit* Letting it breath for a couple of weeks definitely seems to have helped open it up. Much better taste, but still far from a sherry bomb.

Absolutely smells of smoke, with a pretty decent amount of it up front. By the time it reaches your throat, it mellows considerably with the dried fruit notes. I agree, it's a complex whiskey, but very tasty.