I bought a bottle of Bulleit (orange label) a while back — as in, back when I first started on my bourbon journey. Along with Michter's, Four Roses SB, and a couple others, it was one of the first I'd ever had. As such, I had no real comparisons to make, nor enough experience to really weigh in on it. About a year later, I ordered a pour one night while out with friends, and I did not like it at all. So I have avoided Bulleit since. But I recently read some good things here about this 10 Year, and it sounded like maybe I should not base my opinions of Bulleit soley on their lower AS offering. Well, I'm glad I took the leap of faith, because this 10 Year is a whole 'nother story. I like it very much... Color: Medium Amber. Nose: Alcohol, oak. Palate: Initially spicy (no surprise considering the % of rye in the mash bill). Buttery mouth feel. Slight sweetness. Oak. Very little burn going down. As the ice dissolved and opened things up, I got hit with a nice dose of black licorice. Nice! One of the things that swayed me to pull the trigger on this bottle was the "smoky" profile it's been given in the expert and user reviews. Unfortunately, I did not get the smokiness. Maybe on subsequent pours? Finish: Very buttery with a "pound cake" quality. More oak. I'm just finishing my first pour, and am going back for more! Good stuff.