I know I am late to the game on this one with the piles of accolades it has received, but I just haven't been a huge WT fan in the past. My local shopkeep saved me a bottle though so I couldn't just leave it there. I go in with lower expectations that the WT fanboys on this one so let's see if it surprises. Nose is bringing some different notes than a traditonal rye here. I am getting an almost maple pecan nose on this one. Also remarkably low on ethanol for a barrel strength offering. Maybe I was a little to biased against this bottle.... First sip carries some traditional rye backbone, but there are also some really nice caramel notes on the edges. I am definitely getting some much more prominent sweetness on this than a usual rye. There is a warming burn that comes on mid sip that never gets overwhelming and slowly fades to the finish. I have to say the finish is rather interesting as it almost has a burnt marshmallow lingering note. Not like an up in flames burnt offering, more like the one that got a little close to the campfire and got a quick torching - sweet with a touch of char. Overall this one over performed to my expectations. It really is a nice bottle and I would gladly buy again. For the proof it is really much softer to drink than one would think and it brings the sweetness I have enjoyed in some finished ryes in a straight package. Pick one up and try it if you find it on the shelf.