Wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was a pretty nice surprise. The backbone of the palate is a dark honey, which is made more intense with the higher proof. There’s no real caramel to speak of, but you don’t miss it. There’s some significant spiciness from the yeast and the wood, and also some bright fruits bouncing around with the spices. This bottle also has a bit of an “antique” vibe, with faint corn dust, vanilla, and pecan nuttiness hanging in the background. Tastes quite similar to (and possibly better than) Old Forester Birthday, but it isn’t stupidly rare, so that’s a plus. The only real flaw of this bourbon: it makes a really disappointing Old Fashioned. Highly recommended if you want something off the beaten path.