The beginning of the whiff is totally a bourbon, but the end of the whiff is a highland scotch. Left me confused about what to expect. Definitely no bourbon in the taste, no vanillas or caramel. Toffee is there. This Irish is as middle as they come honestly: not too harsh, not too sweet, not too light, not heavy at all. Finish is pretty smooth. Don’t know if I’d buy a whole bottle tho. I’d probably buy the bottle for one of those sissy friends who can’t really handle the full scotches, ya know?