Nose: Hint of apple, cherries and oak. Scents change at different levels, making a fun, challenging nose to fully explore. Spicy, with vanilla and brown sugar. Palate: A symphony of flavors. Cinnamon candy, salted caramel, toasted oak, and brown sugar. A pleasant black pepper spice accompanies all other flavors. Finish: Dried fruits, oak, cacao powder, and a minty feeling retro-nasally. Kentucky hug starts like a firecracker in the back of the throat, and fades into a delightful ember as it reaches the stomach. What an excellent, excellent bourbon. Truly great experience. Thanks to my buddy, Stephen, for letting me sample his sample.