Nose: caramel and vanilla First sip: Tastes just like Knob Creek to me. Sort of a nutty vibe, like peanut brittle, which is exactly what I think of when I think of Knob Creek. It’s very smooth, likely due to the age statement. After it sits: Don’t know. I keep forgetting to let it sit. With water: cuts all spice out. Sweetens it a bit, but makes it too mild. Maybe I added too much water. A little black tea and caramel on the finish. Finish: Medium-long, a little spicy. In fact, the finish gets even spicier the more you drink. I mean… for $40 dollars with a 9-year age statement, I honestly don’t see why it has the bad ratings that it does. I like it. I have much more expensive whiskeys that aren’t this good. Granted, I have limited experience with Tennessee whiskeys in general (my dad was a George Dickel and Jack Daniels drinker, so I’m likely a bit prejudiced), so I can’t compare it to those specifically. It tastes just like Knob Creek to me, and I love Knob Creek. I get zero Flintstone Vitamins or orange candy notes. (I kind of wish I did- I love those orange candies.)