First off, this is seriously hot - I expect a certain amount of burn from a barrel proof bottling, but this'll put some hair on your chest. I already have enough of that, though, so I might have liked this a little better at a lower ABV...maybe a nice, Bottled in Bond 50%? That said, past the George Jones "whoooo...white lightnin'!" Effect, the overall personality of this bourbon is sweet, giving, friendly, and approachable. The usual suspects are there - vanilla, caramel, woody oak, spices, some chocolate. I get some nice orange and cherry notes, too. Some cool water brings out an almost perfumed quality on the nose, but I don't think it helps much on the palate...it's smoother, but lacks some pizzazz. Maybe Jimmy Russell's freezer trick is the key here. One way or another, a worthwhile, if imperfect, bottle.