The scent was typical for a well aged rum, but from a distance, I did get some of the "funk" that I've been hearing so much about. The initial taste is light, but that's from proof only. Flavors of the barrel and sugar are easily detected, and as for the "funk," I taste no more than the dried bitter flavors of, say, a date or raisin. Getting past all of that, the finish is a bit weak with the caramelized sugars being the last thing to leave.