Wow, the smell is really great on this one. Although powerful scents are on the forefront, like wood, spice, and tobacco, the proof does not overpower this journey. The taste starts off much, much lighter than any 100 proof has ever been for me, but it does eventually finish with the same notes found in the initial smell. I find that I would feel better about this if the previous age statement was still attached, but for what is no longer actually a 9 year bourbon, this is still a pretty fantastic pour. Note: I've had all batches of Knob Creek, with this being the last. I began with a 2017 single barrel, which has my wife and I's fingerprints in the wax, is engraved with our wedding date, and also signed by the master distiller. This bottle is only drank each year on our anniversary. Having said that and demonstrated the significance of the Beam brand in my life, I would still highly recommend the Knob Creek line to anyone looking for top shelf and is brave enough to steer clear of the bandwagon picks of others.