Much better than just typical Elijah Craig Single Barrel , which is somewhat overly mild in taste. This also is mild in taste compared to many even lower proof bourbons, but complex and good for a traditional bourbon and at a sweltering 136 proof, can be watered down to taste. Still, I may prefer Heaven Hill's Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10yr to this, as it has a much stronger taste profile, despite being (only) 100 proof. Despite being NAS now, it still says "twelve years" on the back label, at least as of late '16. This avoids the sweet cinnamon cherry coke finish I dislike in the Elijah Craig 12yr, Small Batch.