This is a great value whiskey. Even more so factoring in the high proof and high flavor. Why haven't I heard more about this before? Nose: This has some classic bourbon scents with vanilla, dark sugars, and some rye spice coming right at the front. After a little nosing I'm getting strong baked apples, oatmeal, and baking spices. This smells a lot like apple cobbler to me and I like it. The nose is has some ethanol bite which is expected with the 114 proof. Flavor: More caramelized sugars with baked apple right up front. The grain really comes through with oatmeal-like cereal notes and I'm getting even more baked apple cobbler with just a hint of roasted nuts. Very smooth for the proof. A buttery mouth feel that I like though not as thick as some barrel proof bourbons. Finish: Medium length finish. From sweet apple cobbler to oak and some real rye spices plus a barrel dryness that contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors at the initial sip. It finishes with a little barrel bitter that I wasn't super fond of but another sip solves that problem right away. What a value! Certainly not my favorite (or even top 5) barrel/high proof whiskey I've tried but at under $30 a bottle this is good stuff.