Appearance is rich and glossy, the coloring an orange-gold with a blushing of deep red. Smell is fruity brambleberries commingling with herbaceous mint, as if walking in tranquil woods. Keep walking (smelling)... Boozy oak vanillins, woodsy spice and honey issue forth. Sugary frosting too. Taste replicates the nose. Finishes sweet & spicy. A cooling after-finish drapes over the palate, not like mint, but akin to citrus oil, a balm feel. The body is medium. Fluid yet has enough chewy thickness. Overall this booze is an "Everyman's Bar Bourbon", a time tested classic taken down from the shelf to remember why it is you love the art that is quality drink. There might be a few better bourbons once you get deeper in the experience game, (pricey $100+ range e.g.) but think of Blanton's as legend that only got topped a few times because of future rivals being inspired by said booze and trying to top it.