Dark, slightly bitter cocoa is the theme with this one. The nose smells hot with some hints of leather and bitter cocoa. At the front of the taste is a little bit of salt and spice. The spice isn't overwhelming nor is it herbaceous. Just a bit of a kick, to remind you that you're tasting a different type of bourbon. Slightly bitter, dark cocoa underlines the entire taste, with a bit of burn from the proof. The finish is dry, a little bitter and astringent but that initial hit of salt and spice fades away at the finish. Call me basic but I actually prefer the taste of Four Roses Small Batch to their Small Batch Select.