The nose comes off very much like a jim beam whiskey. Oak, nuts and a little mint. Palate: Right away the burn is very manageable for a almost 60% abv and i get some youthfulness as well. Very dry and not all that sweet. Finish: finally some nice charred oak from the older barrels in this blend with bitter cherry flavors that continue towards the end of the sip and the spiciness only comes around at the finish. After a few sips I have to say this is my least favorite Little Books of the five I have tried so far. Not very complex and it has astringent notes on the finish that are kind of off putting that I think come from the malted rye of the blend. After every sip, I keep lowering the score on this bottle. Lets revisit this in a few months to see if my tastebuds are more forgiving.