Strong caramel and toffee smell, but not flavor. A very smooth and balanced taste, with notes of vanilla and spices that hit the back of your throat. The finish is truly unique because the very last thing you taste is sea salt. In reading the ships log included with this bottle the trip was very smooth with temps never dropping below freezing. I would definitely recommend this as something to enjoy, and will look to compare it with other Jefferson Ocean Aged bottles that have a more tumultuous travel history. I initially tried it with ice as was recommended on the bottle which does eliminate the spice on the back of my throat but now as I enjoy my second glass without the ice you get more of the salt finish which is what makes this a really enjoyable drink.