I was excited to try this Jim Beam after reading some articles about it. It has apparently won awards, and is ranked high among the best tasting bourbons. Frankly, I don't get that at all. I am new to bourbons and am discovering all the differences that make each one different and good in their own way, but this bottle has me scratching my head. First, the nose is almost solely a strong smell of alcohol reminding me of rubbing alcohol. The taste isn't much better, to me, it hits hard and is unforgiving. The burn is from mid-tongue and back, but also encompasses my inner cheeks and roof of my mouth, almost numbing my mouth as if preparing for dental work. I don't mind bourbon burn, in fact I weclome it as long as it brings flavor with it. This burns for burning sake, and I can't get the flavor that makes it one of the best. I'll use the remainder of the bottle for mixing with soda. As I said I'm new to bourbon, and have found that I really like Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace. I say that to give you some insight into what I like, and those 3 are all very different, and provide different levels of finish. I would not recommend this bourbon for sipping neat, with a little water, or on the rocks; as none of those experiences were pleasing to me.