The nose is BIG a lot of spice and vanilla. Fist taste is very sharp with an almost over powering cinnamon flavor but it doesn't over power the rye. Once past the first taste it will settledown and becomes very smooth for a 100 proof rye. Tis isn't your typical rye might take a bit getting used to, but it is very interesting and I would recommend to try it at least once to see how it plays for you. Don't pass it up something to check out..