Sweet cherry note on first sniff, almost candy like. Stays on into following sniffs. Reminds me of something I can't place the smell. Lovely sweet taste with smokey leather flavor half way through. The woody flavor is not super strong, and the type of tree is not evident. Little bit spicy towards the finish but not super strong. Pleasant spice stays on tip of tongue. Adding 4 drops of water tones down the sniff but still pleasant. Flavor and notes are muttled but very pleasant still. Absolutely favorite bourbon under $30 in North Carolina.