The corn sweetness melds well with the oak, lending a malt-like quality to the palate. The malt-like character continues, as sweetness leads to wood spice. The finish is less than memorable. Be that as it may, I'll probably buy this once a year just to have a cool-looking bottle on the bourbon shelf. 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."