Nose- heavy notes of vanilla, caramel and toffee with oak and spice. Moderate alcohol punch. Taste- moderate sweetness with moderate alcohol burn. Pleasant and spicy. Finish- short finish where the sweetness subsides and the spice and oak lingers. Small hints of nutmeg. More vanilla and maybe burnt wood at the back. Overall- this is a great dram for daily sipping. No, it isn't top shelf but considering the price it isn't intended to be. If you want a good stiff drink after work while saving the expensive stuff for a special occasion this fits the bill. Those finding CR harsh may want to consider the CR XO offering which is notably smoother. I buy Crown Royal in the 3 L bottles and always keep in on hand as my general purpose whisky.