I tasted this bourbon along with several other bourbons on the same day. I tried cleansing my palate between bourbons, but either I didn't clean it enough, or this bourbon just plain hits me wrong. I got subdued oak up front along with the requisite vanilla notes, but I also caught a nip of bitterness. And that note I find so off-putting in some bourbons was there, too. The finish was soft, mellow and pleasant, though not very long. Overall, considering the day and the fact that I was tasting several bourbons, I would try this one again just to be fair. I've read other's reviews and this bourbon seems like it should be a good one, but my first impression is there are a number of bourbons that are better. Not quite worth 2 stars for me.