Very smooth. Nose is caramel and pepper. Flavor is rich and sweet, with an initial note of vanilla, followed up with a hint of tartness on the backend. As I sit and mull over my last sip, I detect a buttery flavor. It is quite good. To think that I bought it because of the cool bottle. This one will go in my collection. A pipe full of a nice aromatic tobacco would be a delightful companion to this bourbon.