The palate is just as dark and rich as the color and nose of this whiskey. Dark rich sugars, molasses, brown sugar, and oak are so intense and rich that it is indescribable. The finish is long and flavorful. At 135.3 proof there is definitely a KY bear hug and my lips want to go numb if I take too big a sip. You know, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all if my dentist used this to numb me up for dental work.