It’s intense for the abv. Leathery is a good description. Nutty to some degree. I wouldnt be scared away though. Delends on your palate. My wife chose this as her favorite blindly drinking it neat. My best friend will only drink it mixed. Me…I prefer it neat or on the rocks. Really like it though. I like it more than Buffalo Trace, but less than Eagle Rare if that is helpful for those of us who arent afraid to like good bourbon!