There is an alcohol kick on the nose with a subtle vanilla spiciness. On the palate the caramel and oaky flavors really give a heavy mouth feel,almost oily. There is a slight cocoa tart cherry note before the finish kicks in. The finish is very long spicy and citrusy. Its one that you feel the heat long after you have finished your sip. Its a perfect neat sipper if you can get your hands on it. I live in an area where this is still easy to find,but the price has crept up over the years. For what I paid its still reasonable,but this bourbon gets anymore hype or wins more awards it will go the way of Weller 12.