Sometimes it tastes 5 stars often when drinking just this not vs top shelf rivals. On its own or vs Stagg jr, its 5 star. Cocoa, pecan pie, chocolate dusted almond, sugars and spice. Proof hits like 110-115 proof with the flavors. More oak and not nearly as fruity as GTS 2017. Gave it 4.5 because vs wlw or others it lost some of the pop.