For some reason I hated this when I first got it. The extra Oak flavor was harsh and blunt. But now that the bottle has sat and breathe for months, it is mellowed out into a beautiful, complex sipper. It is a sweet bourbon, but with some darkness and backbone to it. Dark cherry flavors complimented with almost burnt caramel and some orange zest on it. Whereas before it tasted like a decent bourbon being transported in an oak container, now the flavors melt together well and compliment each other. It's still pretty heavy and thick in the mouth feel, but it really opens up with some water or ice.