The color is a deep and rich amber and it leaves a veil of oil on the sides of the glass that quickly turns to heavy legs that run all the way down the glass. The nose starts immediately with a great balance of vanilla and toasted oak that on a second take begins to mix with a rye spiciness that has an almost spearmint and floral quality to it. As it opens up, all these notes come pleasantly together and is joined by touches of coconut and sweet butter. The palate is dry and chewy and fills the mouth with vanilla and toasted oak, followed quickly by a burst of baking spices, mostly cinnamon. It melts together for a very creamy mouthfeel, with the whole experience wrapping up with floral rye filling the mouth. The finish is medium long and oaky with vanilla lingering while the notes of baking spices keep the mouth feeling hot and spicy. The finish is not as long as hoped for as the creaminess fades before you realize it, which was the most pleasing element of this bourbon. Despite being 23 years old, it doesn't show its age and it stays rather tame.