Nose....Toffee, chocolate, pepper, and a very noticeable buttery scent.... Color....a truly rich mahogany.... Taste....A complex heap of pepper, anise, cinnamon and tobacco come roaring in initially. That is soon followed by a wonderfully sweet taste of dark fruits, butterscotch and vanilla... Overall....I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase. The fact that it's bottled at 122 proof is truly remarkable. Once it has time to open up it really shines. Suddenly herbal and grassy notes come to fruition. It's quite a bourbon, offering such distinctive yet diverse flavors pour after pour.. Well worth the cost....