What an amazing whiskey, consistently delicious. The nose is hot - but not overwhelming, especially at over 130proof. A rich sweetness bounces between mcintosh apples, toasted brown sugar, molasses, and baking spice — including cinnamon and nutneg. The alcohol heat remains in the midst of all that sweetness to keep the aroma from being overwhelmingly sweet. Sitting longer brings aromas teminsicent of cherry or apple pie baking in the oven. Obviously the palate is hot, but not overwhelming to those initiated into the world of higher proof whiskies. The heat quickly transitions into a rich sweetness that coats the whole mouth. The brown sugar and caramel are very pronounced on the palate. A softer vanilla ice cream sweetness follows in the midpalate with apples. The mouthfeel is creamy and at times even chewy, the finish is long and warming, leaving a tingling sensation on the mouth from the higher proof. Crisp autumn air and apples blossom in the finish along with plenty of heat. One of my absolute favorite bourbons - and this 11y2m old release bottled at 130.6proof maintains my love of ECPB.