Batch: BRM 14-9 Date: 12-2-14. Finally found a couple of bottles in Austin and bought them to round out my Balcones collection. I have read several tasting notes on this iconic Texas whiskey and I both agree and disagree with the herd. The smoke does present in the nose, but not not before a strong statement of vanilla, brown sugar and black licorice . On the tip of the tongue its sweet. Sugar, vanilla, and licorice again Smoke is more present and a salty brine as it rolls to the middle of the tongue. The smoke comes to the forefront on the finish with sweet slightly burnt corn. After five minutes or so just trying to contemplate what I had just expierienced i realize that the licorice has never left, asking me to take another sip so that it may be balanced again.