i actually like this one better than the finest, i think. the bourbon cask finish gives it such a creamy mouth feel that it is very easy to drink. that's why i think it's a great entry-level whisky: not expensive, not hard to drink, and it doesn't taste like what inexperienced people think whisky will taste like. once you get more into whisky, i can understand why people think this one is bland or disappointing, but i think it does somewhat of a good job. great as well to introduce people to drinking neat. nose: vanilla, cotton candy, floral mouth: dark herbal, dark chocolate, spicy, creamy