Tasting neat. The appearance is a deep amber. Nose is cocoa, oak, caramel, and vanilla. The nose doesn't deceive, as the taste is rich with chocolate, sherry, vanilla, and butterscotch. Cocoa and butterscotch last through the medium long finish. The heat is subdued and is quite smooth Unique, deep, complex, and a case study for what you can do with finishing. I don't know how good the base whiskey was, but nothing offensive came out. Regardless, worth a try to see what French oak and sherry casks can do to a bourbon. I personally think it's a steal for the price, especially for 95 proof, so a bonus quarter point for value. Definitely will buy another bottle