Color: Deep copper-amber. Nose: Wow! Sweet, burnt vanilla, leather, molasses, stewed cinnamon apples(?). Palate: (Drank with a large ice ball) The apples return on the first contact with the tongue. The 133 proof hits you — but not too harshly... and the inevitable chest hug follows. Something akin to "spice" makes an appearance on the 2nd or 3rd sip, but of the "baking" variety. I expected caramel to be part of the profile, and it did finally come through as the ice slowly melted into the juice and opened it up. I'm getting a lot more from this juice that I just can't pinpoint (Leather? Wood?). Suffice to say, there's a lot going on. I'd heard very good things about this C923, and I'm glad to report that it was all legit. The finish is long with lingering spice, sweetness and oak. This is damned good bourbon. I seldom give 5 stars, but this one comes close! Added 1/13/24: There's the vanilla! And it appeared in spades, no less.