In the nose, it has the edge of double vanilla extract, but not quite vanilla either. Hints of clove and cinnamon. On the tongue, it has less pepper than some ryes, but a more rounded spice flavor. A bit of the sharpness of cinnamon, which comes through more strongly with a drop off water. Opening it up also let's some of the wood come through. The finish is very smooth, with the well rounded flavors still coming through This is a very rich rye, excellent as a sipper.