It's not Pappy, but I was still very excited when I got my hands on this one. Buffalo Trace has yet to let me down. If this one is a reject, I can only imagine how good Pappy must be. The nose is corn forward. Being that this one is wheated, I don't get the spicy notes that I normally get from most bourbons. I get the classic caramel and vanilla notes, as well as some almond and car seat leather. I also get a prominent note of mint that seemed to be the first to fade as I let the whiskey sit. Finally, there is a heavy oak note, as one might expect from a 12 year old bourbon. From here on, there is little deviation from the nose. Caramel and vanilla maintain a strong presence on the palate. I also get the cherry-note that I have come to associate with BT products. I still get the mint flavor from the nose. A hint of walnut as well. It's sweet, but balanced despite the absence of rye. The heavy oak notes are also consistent with the nose. The finish follows suit with the nose and palate. It's of respectable length, and holds true to the perfect balance of sweetness and heat present on the palate. Caramel, vanilla, cherry, and a hint of that mint here. This one lives up to the hype. I cost me a pretty penny, but it was absolutely worth it. It's a nice change of pace from the standard 'ryed' bourbons that I've come to love. It's apparent what isn't here in the absence of rye, but I'm not quite sure what the wheat is adding. At any rate, I'm enjoying it, and that's all that matters. If you see it, buy it. It's one of most well-balanced bourbons I've had. BT is doing everything right here. Tasting this may just be the motivation that I need to pony up for a bottle of Pappy.