The barrel influences are very noticeable in this whisky. At first you get the bourbon influence; sweet caramel and vanilla. It then mellows a little on the palate and you start to get the sherry notes; dried fruits and spices. The aftertaste is quite layered; spicy, dry and almost tannic, and ultimately well rounded. I’ve had this whisky in bars in dozens of countries and cities around the world. There’s a reason it’s considered a classic, it’s easy to drink, and it’s pretty good.