Very surprised. I’ve put this one off for a while because I have had it many times over the years as a shot or mixed with a coke before and just thought it was a really strong whiskey, nothing special. This was all before my “whiskey awakening”. But now that I’ve actually developed a palate and great appreciation for whiskey I thought I’d give this a try. Also because so many people say it’s one of their favorite budget bourbons. At first the nose is cherries and ethanol. But after the 1st taste I get sweeter aromas like vanilla and butterscotch on the nose. The palate is not too sweet, some oakiness and some leather. A little spiciness on the finish and I get a little bit of corn. Not too much of a burn like I remember before I knew how to drink whiskey. I have a much greater appreciation for this now. It has a lot more depth that I realized. I’m glad I gave it another chance.