I know what you are thinking; A 3 rating for a bottom shelf bourbon? Please, hear me out. This bourbon is punching far above it's weight. I just finished my Four Roses Small Batch and I've been working on my Willett Copper Pot and it hit me. I'm spending a hell of a lot on bourbon! So I searched online for a quality budget drink. This came up again and again. Everything I have read appears to be spot on. There is a definitely a heavy sweet aroma - like corn syrup and vanilla frosting. The palate is caramel corn and candied fruits with that vanilla still in the background. The mouth feel is thick, a bit buttery if not outright oily. There is a cool, almost mint like finish. Give a minute or two and there is a slight warming in the throat and belly, but there is no harshness. That would be my biggest complaint about this bourbon. The only thing I would like for t to have is a higher proof. I think it would take care of the oily mouth feel and the minty finish. It needs a burn or something for an assertiveness. However, given the fact that it can be had for $18 it is an incredible value! I cannot wait until I can have a few friends over for a bourbon tasting and sneak this one is as a wildcard. I am sure that it will get far better reviews in a blind tasting than if I brought a bottle to poker night.