For cocktails calling for pisco, this is the bottle I typically reach for (either this or BarSol). It has just enough character to stand up in cocktails, while not being overpowering or too harsh. The nose is fairly faint with a bit of citrus and pepper. The palate has a very light feel to it, but you get olives, licorice and some sweetness, followed by a touch of bitterness. The finish is quick, with only a hint of burn. I wouldn't say this is a great pisco neat, but the real value is in its use in cocktails. I haven't found a recipe where this did not shine, so for the price it's hard to beat. Neat I would grade this closer to a 2.5, which is still solid, just not great. However, the use in cocktails bumps this up to a 3.