Nose: Vanilla and simple syrup - almost like a good cake frosting. Orange blossom. Faint hint of oak. Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Slightest black pepper. Lovely stuff. Palate: Vanilla, orange blossom, simple syrup. Cake frosting comes to mind again. Clove, honey, nutmeg. I avoid the word as much as possible, but this stuff is smooth. Tannin, black pepper, white pepper. Oak with the slightest barrel bitter note. The faintest dill/licorice/anise note shows up at the very end. Medium-long finish that hits those vanilla, orange blossom, and simple syrup notes. Other notes: I'm partial to the entire Splinter Group line - Straight Edge, Slaughter House, and Whip Saw (this whiskey). Straight Edge (the bourbon) was the first bottle i ever picked up on a whim specifically because I had no idea what it was and what it would be like and it payed off big time. Also shows that sourced whiskey that's then finished (a la Angel's Envy) can be excellent. It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I love it.