When I first opened my bottle (2006 Barrel) I was overwhelmed by a strong alcohol odor. I let it breath for a few minutes and that dissipated. The nose is full of caramel, vanilla orange peel and leather. It has a full flavor and a strong mouth burn, but nothing crazy. I would put this up against many other expensive bottles. I paid $26. I can't say that it compares to anything more expensive, mainly because it has its own unique taste. Find it, buy it.