Very strong cinnamon profile. It's so bold that's really all I get. Neat there is a distinctive licorice undertone, but it hides with a little water or ice. Perhaps more of a woody licorice, like angostura bitters. Sweet, but not cloying and sticky like schnapps. Very clean and smooth and oh so spicy. A little pricey for what it is, but my favorite rye. Really not too up in arms about the sourcing and flavoring evisceration they are going through... It's like people knew nothing about the industry. I knew a quick Google search after my first sip 4 years ago that it wasn't from Iowa, and many more whiskies have flavorings than we realize. Forget about the hype and drink what tastes good.