Sweet vanilla and sugar with just a touch of heat on the nose. On first sip the heat dances across my palate in a good way. Notes of cherry, creme brulee, bananas foster, vanilla, a touch of chocolate, and oak. Reminds me of Old Forester Signature cranked up. Every Old Forester product I've had seems to mature as I work through the bottle. Early on they seem just too sweet. About half way through the bottle hits a sweet spot on my palate where the more complex notes start to come out.