Tasting- 1 oz. Neat in a copita glass. Color is a medium gold. Lighter than one might expect for a 12 yr offering. Nose- mellow oak and sweet honey come front and center. Vanilla and creme brulee then dominate the scene. There is a sweet richness about the nose that rides above from start to finish-- perhaps apricot jam? It is a really a nice aroma. Palate- this is definately sweeter than 2020 Birthday Bourbon, which was more floral and tea-like. I get rich vanilla custard, darker fruits like cherry, and over-ripe italian plum similar to what 2019 Birthday brought to the game. Those, along with the apricot jam I experienced on the nose, are what helps to carry this one. Traditional caramel and cornflakes linger on the way out. What it does lack though is spice. Of the last 4 Birthday offerings, this is perhaps the sweetest but it may also be the best balanced in what it shoots for. It is excellent in capturing those fuller, fruitier, bursting flavors. Finish- the finish is long and lasting with a sweet and sour sauce tanginess on the aftertaste. Oak plays in the background. You can taste it, but it doesn't make it too drying or chewy. The juicy, fruitier flavors are still retained throughout. This stays on the tongue ling after the sip is done Overall- I am really enjoying this bottle. Every year for the last 5 years I have been blessed to either get an entire bottle, or a generous sample from someone. Of the last 5 years, this one impresses me most. The sweet characteristics definately puts this in the dessert category. Some may find it too much of that, but I don't. I embrace that. Like most Old Forester products, it seems that the same mashbill yields either very sweet, very herbal, or very spicy offerings. This definately showcases the best of the best of the sweeter side. Looking past the sweetness though, it is all in there and nicely put together- vanilla, caramel, cornflakes, oak. If there is one flaw, however slight, it may be a lack of spice for some.