The first scent screams of quality rum. Good clean smells of oak and rich vanilla. First sip you get a mouth full of alcohol, oily notes allspice, clove, light cinnamon and hazelnut. The heat is brief but very good, wish it was longer. If you let the flavors dance around a bit you can catch all of the nuances. The heat lingers nicely after finishing. Very good rum with bourbon flare.