(I had mistakenly reviewed this under the Fall 2005 bottling.) Bought this in TN due to the high ratings elsewhere. I have determined that I simply do not like Tennessee whiskey. Every single one I've tried has had some off-putting flavor that dominates the profile for me. In this, there is some underlying anise and bitterness that overwhelms the positive fruitiness and grain. The charcoal "mellowing" Lincoln county process removes too many flavor compounds and what remain do not appeal to me. I regret that I took a chance on this and paid a premium for it. What's worse is that I have a full bottle of the 11 year that I bought on the same trip that I know I will not like. Another $40 down the drain. I wish I could find a legal way to trade it to someone for a non-TN bourbon. After managing to finish this bottle, I believe that the off flavor I was getting is the Flintstones vitamin note, which is very prevalent to me in this. *I finally opened the 11 year bottle which is less complex, but it doesn't have the overwhelming vitamin note making it more drinkable for me.