Nose - heavy oak, rich, smells very full flavored - Hard to not taste it yet... High alcohol is evident. Caramel and vanilla. A bit of water opens up notes of apple or pear Palate - full rich beginning. Flavor hits the entire mouth. Well balanced oak. Dry tannins. Even with water, heavy oak still comes through. Nice spices and not too sweet. Not knowing the mashbill when tasting, possibly high rye? I can imagine this makes a fantastic cocktail. Finish - lingering tingling on the sides of my tongue and a dryness on the palate. Long and lingering oak Really delicious whisky and it would be one to grab when you can't decide which bottle you want. Not disappointed with having purchased this bottle not having tried it before!