For the money this is a very fine whisky. Here in PA, the 12 year standard is $50 and this 14 year Bourbon Barrel Reserve is only $8 more...a complete no-brainer. I actually first tasted it, as I often do with non-exotic priced liquor, with a snack, either a sandwich or some cheese and bread/crackers. This delivers wonderfully sweet fruitiness on the nose and in the mouth. At sip, a warm bit of spicey on the inner cheek and tongue combines with a fruity sweetness. I get everything from peachy/mango to coconut with this one. The finish at swallow is medium and there is a lingering aftertaste of sweet long after. I'm thinking certain kinds of hard candy, the really good tinned English/French stuff. And yes, there is also apple fruit, well after swallow. A wonderful bargain by a storied brand, though the less complex Irish Knappogue Castle gives it solid value competition for $15 less in PA. $58 at the PLCB