Bottle dated 4/13/20 from Kenwood Liquors (Chicago) at 131.1 proof. Really vibrant nose that betrays the proof of this whiskey - loads of brown sugar, dark fruits, vanilla, wood, and a peppery spice if I dig in a bit...some ethanol burn if I look for it, but nothing to indicate we're dealing with 65% alcohol here! Incredibly soft drinking for the ABV as well, this is as close to an easy sipper as you'll find for something 115+ proof...caramel, vanilla, dried oak, more spice than was evident on the nose - not rye-like, but "spicy", and chewy levels of brown sugar. Water opens up both the nose and the palate a bit more, allowing more fruit to come through on the sip. Good neat, good with a few drops - nothing to complain about either way. When I first cracked this bottle (disclaimer, its been 'open' for a year) it was hands down the best JD product I'd enjoyed...now it sits alongside the Barrel Proof Rye. Credit where credit is due - Jack Daniels does Barrel Proof in a way that will please those enjoying a high proof, but not overwhelm those who like their whiskey a little softer.