Smell: Rich buttery caramel comes up first with a nice dark raisin note. There is some candy corn (and wax like smell), vanilla and lightly charred oak notes too. Not as woody and spicy than other bourbons, definitely smoother and pleasant. Ethanol is a little present in the back. WITH WATER: Vanilla gets much more intense and that's pretty much it. It's a nice note but it's a bit one note with water. Taste: Rich buttery caramel is also the first note to come on the taste as well as dark brown sugar. You definitely get some of the dark raisin note bringing a touch of acidity and a different dimension to the sweetness. The oak notes are not as dark (mostly light tannins and leather) as other bourbons which leads me to think the oak wasn't charred as intensely as other bourbons. There is a solid amount of vanilla as expected but some light rye notes in there with light herbal notes and even lighter menthol. Maybe a touch of bourbon cherry. WITH WATER: Rye spice and vanilla become much more upfront in the taste. It becomes much less sweet and drier which is surprising considering the nose got much sweeter. The cherry also comes up stronger. Finish: Oatmeal is definitely there as well as the candy corn, its waxiness being especially strong in the finish. Classic bourbon cinnamon and rye notes (herbs and menthol) lingers to the very end with the oak notes (leather and light tannins). A bit shorter than expected but still a very solid finish. Mouthfeel: Very nice creamy medium-heavy feel with a decent amount of residual oiliness. This is satisfying mouthfeel for sure. Overall: This is definitely very solid. You get plenty of complex and intense flavors while still being very easy to drink. It's definitely one of Buffalo Trace strengths, to make flavorful and satisfying whisky that doesn't offend most whisky drinkers. Only added water as an exercise as I know it rarely improves a bourbon and it definitely did not improve things here either.