Nose: milk chocolate, wood smoke, and ethanol. With time fresh cherry. With water strong maple comes on Palate: pine, caramel candy, citrus rind Finish: menthol, citrus, char, strawberry cream candy This is different, but every bit as good (maybe better flavor but not as smooth) as Rittenhouse (and mixes as good as Rittenhouse in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned). In fact, it reminds me of a less refined Rare Breed rye (which I love). For $29 a bottle this along with Rittenhouse will now have a place in my regular rotation as my go-to mixer for rye cocktails. Update: after this bottle is opened and oxidizes for about a week it really mellows and softens. Takes on a strong vanilla maple character. Delicous and smooth at 100 proof. Upping to 4.25 stars