Smell is strong in alcohol with hints of turpentine and that sweet sour smell of corn mash. First taste is bit rough. There is that buzzin sweet-sour burning in back of the tongue with some flashes to the tip. Head and body of this whiskey is surprisingly smooth. Overall it is actually good. Neat if you want something bit rougher around the edges, or for your whiskey drinks as the mixer. Wouldn't waste it for long cocktails, though, that's more like WT81, Jimmy Beam or Tennessee boy Jacky basic bottles thing.