A close cousin to OF signature with a slight variation on the mashbill. BIB gives you at least 4 yrs aging and 100 pf so that's a plus. Poured neat its got a hit of ethanol but bold oak and musky leather offset with dark fruit and nuts. Palate comes in strong and hot with caramel and barrel with char, pipe tobacco and leather notes that make it seem older. Finishes with heated spicy caramel and some fruit turning to dry lengthy oak. It carries its proof in full and then some as does the OF sig but does not detract from the experience. Had this back to back with the OF 1897 BIB which is unfair with the costs of each. Of course the 1897 is more refined and deeper flavor etc but this Early Times is a budget brand and at that level it excels . Think of it as OF 1897 in high school realizing the talent but not quite polished and still working on skills........80/100...... a bit raw and underdeveloped but mighty enjoyable at price point