The nose has spicy oak, grape juice, peaches, and nuts. The smell is unique and you know you have a glass a Crown Royal in your hand as soon as you smell it. More spicy oak and grape juice on the palate, but behind a rich layer of vanilla. The finish is long with almonds and a few bitter notes at the end. This whiskey is not something I would seek out to drink straight. For best results, mix with cranberry juice.