Oh man. The vanilla and spices come across to me as almost like a little bit of cake or like a very classy honey bun. That pepper still comes through and lends itself into the other spices. I didn't get the apple notes until I let it sit out a little more. For the higher proof it drinks amazingly easy as well. The extra age in the barrel does show in the oak flavors. I might try to find another bottle to have on hand after this one.