Old rye (12-18 years) tastes so different from the more common four year olds like Peppers or Willett. This is so earthy and more levels of flavor. I get spice but I also get something very deep and earthy like moss, peat, or something like that. The taste is not gross at all but my ability to describe the taste is limited. I’m not so smart that way. I love this rye. I have been rationing a bottle for years since it inexplicably disappeared from NC. I very very much recommend this. Gold standard for old rye in my opinion.