Well, for $9.99/bottle, I expect: rot-gut, off notes, chemical and alcohol after taste, not to mention fake smoke undertones. I did not find any of these. After following the recommendation of Distiller members that I believe in, I picked a bottle up to make BBQ sauce with. I did sample it prior to make sure I was not ruining a sauce. I was surprised. It is no Blanton's, nor even Buffalo Trace's little brother. However, it had floral sweetness, notes of vanilla and slight spice. At 40% ABV, it's a neat dram, or a great base for mixing or highballs. It has now replaced Early Times as my sauce whiskey. I know it only received a 70/100 from the pro evaluation, but I think I have spent lots more for much lesser pours. 2.75 stars