Overall: I am from Missouri, so I will try to put bias aside. I was fully expecting for the age, and price this to be very comparable to Heaven Hill BiB (which I really enjoy), but it isn't. Instead of going the dark rich dessert path it goes for fruits, and it does that well. I wish it had a better mouthfeel, but I am not disappointed in acquiring this bottle. At the price of $51 before tax, I look forward to comparing it to Old Forester BiB. My gut tells me it will be bananas vs. dates. Nose: Ripe fruit: Strawberries, and raspberries. With more time, a molasses smell melds everything together. Palate: Rye bread hit me off the bat. The spice, mixed with a hollow texture I get from campari. Its not a bad thing, but a distinct textural component of some drinks. This all quickly morphs into the sweetness of dates, and vanilla ice cream. Finish: medium to medium short. Grape jelly - authentic grape jelly, not like the grape pixie stick of buffalo trace.