Nose is full of toffee. First sip is sweet toffee followed by oak. Strong spicy finish, as is to be expected at 110 proof. Adding a few drops of water smooths out the mouthfeel and opens up notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Overall, once you get accustomed to the high proof to the flavor, this is an excellent Bourbon. However, given the price, this probably will not be your everyday Bourbon.