No water: intense nose, some tough alcohol whiffs, underneath is that oak char and some brown sugar. Palate is thick and oily, big flavors here of molasses, cinnamon sticks, hint of nuts on the finish. Classic bourbon stuff minus cherry or anything. A couple drops of water: nose looses its power a tad, but caramel is uncovered with butter and subtle oak. Looses its harshness for the most part too. Palate loosens and you get the brown sugar, honey, much more nuttiness on the finish with tamed cinnamon now, sweet oak finish as supposed to being dry. You do maybe get a little of fruit now as well. It’s a little rough around the edges, can tell it’s young and a little hot but it drinks nice with or without water.