Nose is very “Brown-Forman” with a pungent blend of Maraschino cherry, wood varnish, Sasparilla, caramel drenched flan, leather, and a wood which always smells more like mahogany than oak to me. There is some light ethanol present but at nearly 125 proof, it’s forgivable. Palate is rich and deep and matches the nose quite well but add vanilla, allspice, citrus, cocoa powder, toffee, and tobacco. Flavors very much sit in the back of the throat which does lend a hint of harshness that feels like it doesn’t need to be there. Finish is nice and long with delightful morph into rum soaked Christmas fruit cake, cola, orange zest, cinnamon, leather, and pink peppercorn. Mouthfeel is full bodied. Slight effervescence tingles the tongue, and that in combination with the proof does become slightly fatiguing after repeated sips. I find these releases to be quite good, and this release to be very consistent with the last one I have tried. Are they better than say, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof despite being nearly twice the price? I would say no, but it is high quailty. I paid $155 for this and while I can’t say I regret it, it is slightly overpriced. Will I buy the next release anyway? Probably.