I have heard that this product is not consistent bottle to bottle. No idea if true or not. This bottle smells like a rye. The nose has that rye spike on top of a base of smooth, sweet, vanilla. The taste is also rye and an interesting mix of approachable and rye bite. The base is smooth, not a lot going on until the swallow and finish. The finish is where the rye makes itself known with a spike of spice that subsides into a nice tingle on the tongue. The mouth feel is light. After a few sips I found that the rye tingle built and started a little sooner. The rye tingle and spice was still a spike: subtle, then a big spike, to a quick fade, and a nice lingering tingle. I like the lingering tingle more than the flavors. Enjoyable. Would not turn down. May purchase again but not an always have on the shelf. This in an odd spot for me. When I reach for a rye I generally want a more aggressive flavor experience.