Nose: even smells a little spicy. I get oak with spice. Palate: Definitely a rye with the spice. I get some oak also. But it is mostly spice with a light burn. Finish: Long finish. Sticks around for a long time. Water?: going to say better with no water on this one. It mellowed it out but just made it ehhhh. Been told this is a great cocktail rye.