I prefer rye over bourbon, just getting that out there. This is by far the best rye I have tried. On the nose it soft, not too sweet, oak, tropical, with a bit of that floweriness you might expect from a highland scotch. First on the tongue is alcohol (it is 100 proof), but not at all overpowering, just a nice coating of the tongue. Then it's just spicy, smooth, rich, but I'm sorry, can't really make out the flavors, which really aren't too deep.