I first tasted bourbon when I came to the US on a baseball scholarship at the age of 18. Growing up in a small town in Puerto Rico there was little whiskey variety for my dad and uncles to choose from. JW Black Label was the only whiskey I knew about before I came here for college. I first tried what I'm pretty sure was either Jim Bean or Jack Daniels. I had a Jack and Coke and I was hooked. It reminded of this drink that I loved as a kid (vanilla coca cola). Over the next 4 years (college) it became my staple drink. Eventually I started having it on the rocks and then neat. Ive had my fair share of bourbons and this is hands down my favorite of them all. Along with the usual vanilla, caramel & chocolate notes most bourbons have this one has an edge. There is baking spice on the palate, which I love. A nice cherry note can be found in the midst of all that. I do admit that this is borderline almost too sweet which is why i wouldn't consider this an every day whiskey. At 39.99 at my local liquor store this is a really affordable dram that will never disappoint. Great with a cigar aswell.