Nose: earthy wet wood, cherries. Almost an IPA quality to it- kind of yeasty, but sweeter. First sip: fruit. Cherries and vanilla, but with a slight bitterness that resembles vanilla extract. Oak. Pretty smooth, with a spicy kick on the back end. After it sits: not much change. With water: Starts to remind me of Woodford when water is added- raisin-y dark fruits, which is always the Woodford hallmark to me. Finish: short. Baking spices make an appearance- nutmeg and clove. This bourbon joined the collection thanks to a recommendation from an older gentleman at Total Wine (older gentlemen always strike up bourbon convos with me in Total Wine, for some reason- it doesn’t happen anywhere else! I think they are trying to figure out if I’m shopping for myself or my husband, who is an IPA drinker.) I can’t say which way I enjoy better. I love Woodford, so adding water is nice, but if I wanted Woodford I’d just drink that. I think it stands alone on its own merits. It’s not my favorite, but I like it.