NOSE: cherry blossoms, wet seude, chocolate fudge, redwood, stone fruits like plums. For a 135.6 proof bourbon there is NO alcohol stinging the nose. It's like a delicious perfume counter in the glass. Wonderful nose. PALATE: chocolate carries through strongly, hint of citrus, salted caramel, toffee, complex and delicious. FINISH: strong on the cherry that was in the nose, extremely pleasant with no burn to speak of, late in the finish I get a very enjoyable spearmint coming through. It's its own after dinner mint. THOUGHTS: This is a great bourbon at any price. The fact that it can be had for around $50 (if you're lucky) makes it amazing. It noses and drinks like a 90 proof bourbon. Just great overall. 5 stars. EDIT- the above was based on the 9th release, the 135.6 proof. Release 10, 138.8 proof, was frankly disappointing. Much less vanilla, an unpleasant burn, and some bitterness in the finish. Tasted more like a so so version of Stagg Jr than Elijah Craig. 3 stars.