Spicy. I prefer Double Rye instead of this Double Rye & Bourbon blend. That said, I'd like to try the older Bourye, as that may mellow it out and add some complexity. I suggest skipping this and going with Bourye, or even Double Rye, though I would suggest skipping straight to Rendezvous Rye since even that is pretty spicy and lacks complexity, especially since Rendezvous is supposed to be one of the all-time best ryes.