This is a solid rye, much sweeter than I would have expected. In fact, the first taste was like a syrup/vanilla bomb before the rye spice kicked in. Not a terrifically harsh finish but definitely gets spicier toward the end. Smooth and tasty, I give it 4 stars only because the price point is much higher than I'd prefer for what I'm getting. Definitely worth getting a bottle to have on hand but not one worth sipping daily.