Vanilla, honey, and a lemony sour note from the oak on the nose. The palate is vanilla and a slight fruitiness, then cane sugar. The combination of rum and oak produces a surprising cinnamon and tobacco note (if you can find it in the spice notes that are unique to this bottle). Follow that note and the oak makes itself known in the finish. The cinnamon with the oak reminds me of a bourbon mid-palate-to-finish, albeit with an infusion of rum sweetness. Different and interesting to drink, but not a personal fave. It may fare better with a cigar. I don't know why I didn't like this whisky, despite the glowing reviews. I was extremely disappointed in my palate for missing whatever that was good. I just couldn't lock on the Balvenie flavor profile. While rum was the currency that introduced the world to the English concept of "proof", it hasn't exactly done wonders here. My Rating Glossary: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."