My first impression on the nose was… APPLE, with a coating of caramel. There is a good bit of in rye too. (Duh!!) There was a sweet freshness to the “sniffs” and nosing that I inhaled! The taste is sweet “ Rye-Rye-Rye…with a hint of apple, and twice shy” (a song by the rock groups “Eddie & the Hot Rods” & later, “Great White”). This initial & subsequent sips/chews, the taste was…. ryes… apple…spices….and sweet freshness! There is no “Kentucky Hug” in the back of my throat and downward; but a warm, rye-spice with baking spices and cinnamon (hints of caramel too). In sum…a very, very solid drink that calls me to subsequent sips (could be dangerous! 😉)