The 7 year small batch is a top 5 favorite of mine, so curious as to how this compares. On the nose there is some vanilla that is immediately apparent followed by hints of caramelized apples. There is also a hint of the classic cherry note that are often found in Beam products. The palate features a lot of pepper spice and heat along with wood and some corn notes. The heat and spice carry through the finish, which is medium to long. Overall not as pleasing as the small batch as many of the baking spices are overpowered by the pepper and wood spice.