Before I got into whiskey I often ordered cheap rye on the rocks at bars, so I figured I enjoyed rye whiskey. However, now I realize the ryes I drank were lower rye content. I have never had a 95% rye until now and I haven't enjoyed drinking it neat so it's taken me a while to finish this bottle. I've mostly used it for amateur cocktails at home, which is a good use of this rye. The nose is very strong. I don't know if it's tobacco like the expert review states, it smells more herbal and perfumey. It is similar to scented candles I like, but that's not a smell I want in a whiskey. I guess that may be what everyone describes as eucalyptus or cloves, but for me it is a combination of many air freshener and cleaner type scents. I get more pine sap on the taste, with hints of pepper and cinnamon. It lacks sweetness on the taste and finish. If you told me I was drinking Pine Sol I would find it hard to disagree with you. The only reason I'm rating this as a 2.75 is it works really well in cocktails, but then again, cheaper ryes than this also work well in cocktails. If you don't like really strong rye, don't buy this.