Poured neat. Rye spice dominant nose with backings of oak and candied peanuts. A white cake frosting sweetness hits the tongue first followed quickly by Big Red gum, clove, red apple skins and black pepper Standard tobacco and oak tannin finish that slowly fades to green tea. In my opinion the proof shines through more on the nose than the palette. Even at 114 it doesn't seem to come on as strong when compared to the Old Forester 1920 (115 p) or even the Belle Meade (108.8) that are also on my shelf. Solid pour and a great option to introduce yourself to higher proof whiskey that isn't going to break the bank.