I don't know what this tastes like, but it doesn't taste like bourbon. It's bourbon-ish. I'm wondering if this year's release is vastly different? If Willett is finally using some of their own distillate instead of strictly sourcing? That being said, I really liked it! My ABC Store emailed that they had received some limited items and this one, at $33 was the most affordable, so I bit. Tried neat in a glenncairn, the nose is unique. Dry and Dusty. Musty orange, backed by dried spices and a light note of apple pipe tobacco. There was a mystery note that I couldn't place until I read another recent review that called it cedar. BINGO. Neat it enters with musty orange followed by very dry astringent oak. There is a light sweetness here, but it's in no way the traditional vanilla, caramel or toffee. A long drying finish with the musty citrus lingering. A tick on the hot side reminding you it's 101 proof. A splash had little effect on the nose and added cinnamon and chocolate to the palate, taming the astringency a great deal. Though my Scotch experience is limited, with a splash it reminded me of a good inexpensive blend, ala Monkey Shoulder. The nose on the empty glass smells of cinnamon bark. This pairs very well with a cigar. There is so much going on here, I've waited until I'm about a 1/3 of the way through the bottle to review, just to be sure. This is not one I'd seek out. but I'll definitely pick it up when I see it. Very different.