Nose shows a lot of wood and spice, with just a bit of heat and a hint of vanilla. After a few minutes in the glass it takes on just the very slightest bit of mint. On the palate, it's fairly rich and creamy, but surprisingly hot for the ABV. My notes are almost a carbon-copy of Jake's pro review; Spice (nutmeg, clove, anisette, cinnamon) followed by brown sugar and vanilla, then just the faintest hint of dark cherries. Wood is present from beginning to end, but it's more of a background that ties things together rather than its own distinct flavor experience. Finish is medium, with a bit of heat giving way to caramel and vanilla before leaving a clean, just swished with Listerine feeling, that lingers for a minute or two. I liked my first bottle of CR Hand Selected better than I like this, but it's close. I prefer this to my second bottle of Hand Selected, and I'd imagine with it being a blend that it will be far more consistent than an individual barrel bottling. Whether that guaranteed flavor profile is enough to sway you from the potential for an incredible experience is completely up to you. As for me, I'm going to find more batches of Hand Selected. And when I find another winner that matches my first, I'm going to buy a case.