Incredibly smooth with a tasty, classic bourbon mouth. A great sipper, and one of the better small independent Bourbons I've ever had. I always keep a few bottles handy as this impresses all. I tried this a few years back on a wine tasting trip to Traverse City Mi. Upon drinking some outstanding wine I ended up at the traverse city whiskey co, to grab a quick bite to eat and try something besides wine. So glad I stopped by and tried this gem, the cherry whiskey is pretty tasty as well. I instantly had to buy a bottle. This bourbon is the king of smooth. Thankfully I only get a faint taste of rye spice in the initial sip, the rye does linger through each sip though. On initial sip I get a balanced mouth of caramel, toast, vanilla, honey and butterscotch. At first it ends with a long, smooth finish with some slight heat on the way down. After a few sips It ends with a medium length, layered, clean finish. I was simply amazed how well this bourbon was blended at this small whiskey co. Truly a beautiful representation of what a modern Bourbon is and should be.