Neat: Nose has familiar notes if vanilla, caramel and bit of alcohol. Palate is medium sweet to spicy as the vanilla turns to tongue tingling spice. The finish is medium length and and semi dry. I fully admit that I typically enjoy my bourbon with a cube of ice, but not this one. This one was enjoyed neat and it was as smooth as the proverbial baby's @$$! After having several other nice bourbons, this one is in my top 5. Should have been a 4.5. Sip it neat and enjoy!