Drank neat Bottle I picked is a whopping 135.1 proof, so (without say) the initial kick on it is STRONG. Take a few sips to get your mouth used to it then, try to really taste it. Overall, it's not bad. Tried on the rocks A lot more palatable, the cooler temp makes it a lot smoother going down! Tried with some water Really opens up the flavor. Like some of the other high proof bourbon in my collection, i think this one is best muddled down with some ice and just a hair of water to open it up