Nose is dry, oaky, and slightly sour. The palate is cherry coke and oak. The finish is at first bitter but after a few sips to normalize the palate, it turns peppery deep in the throat. This brings a lot for a 90 proof whiskey. A unique flavor you will either appreciate or dislike, no in betweens. I fall on the appreciate side of the scale. Collectors and craft fans should snag a bottle, casual drinkers might pass. I wonder if more time in the barrel would round out the flavors or go off the chart oaky? Two years on, finishing this bottle, and I have the exact same assessment.