The nose of the bourbon is sweet, and rich, and smokey. It features notes of oak smoke, caramel, toffee, and vanilla. On the tongue the bourbon is sweet and rich. It has a fire from the high proof that carries its rich vanilla quite well. In the body of the taste it builds into dark chocolate and burnt sugar. It finishes with smoke. The aftertaste is faintly bittersweet, like cacao nibs with a hint of the smoke still remaining. The bourbon lingers as a faint warmth in the chest. Absolutely marvelous neat.