Picked this up as a value buy - was $42.99 at a Hyvee in MN (store barrel pick) - Figured more than a reasonable price for a cask strength, 5 year pour. Nose is sweet and dripping with brown sugar...solid dose of ethanol here lets you know this is high ABV. Digging deeper I get some vanilla and oak staves...just a bit of spice on the edges suggest a bit of rye in the bill (and yes, there is...). Water does some nice work, really allowing the vanilla to emerge. Flavor is quite hot...the ABV/youthfulness are evident - nothing offensive, but it feels like its overwhelming some other aspects. Water does wonders for this dram...much more vibrant after the heat is tempered. The vanilla comes back out on the palate alongside some sweet milky caramel. Finishes at a medium length and is overall on the sweeter end of the spectrum. Definitely enjoyed this with a few drops which allowed just a bit more complexity to emerge. Good bourbon, and a nice value at the price I snagged this bottle for...