mainly rich spice smell and taste. I haven't had the 12 year old so I can't compare it. Other reviews say this is hotter. It is a little hotter than I like. But with a splash of water which I add to most of my whiskeys to open them up a bit, it is rather pleasant. Disclaimer: I'm very new to this, only a month or two. My tastes will probably change over time as I develop more of a palette.