This is the second tasting (from Flintcreek Cattle Co, not from Las Vegas (I'm not sure where that one went but I'll add it back to this review even though it is a single barrel release as soon as I find it)). This is coming right after E.H. Taylor Four Grain. The nose is milder, fruitier, and more floral. It smells less oily and more elegant. There is some cinnamon spice on the nose and also some vanilla (not as much as E.H. Taylor Four Grain though), but the oiliness is much reduced. It also has some nice toasted almond on the nose that is reminiscent of Booker's Shiny Barrel at a lower proof. There are some herbal bell pepper scents too. The nose is interestingly complex and swirling. The palate is oily, but not as much as E.H. Taylor Four Grain. It's interesting and more complex with promenant wood, but a younger character a la Booker's without the cask strength. The complexity really rushes out. The finish is nice with vanilla and a bit of toasted almond, like a marzipan. The woodiness isn't overwhelming and while there is some bitter smoke, it doesn't come with those deep bitter notes that linger and can cripple a drink (see E.H. Taylor Four Grain). This is sort of to E.H. Taylor Four Grain as Wild Turkey Jewbillee is to Stagg Jr. This is more complex with lighter notes that make it seem more immature, but also are better executed and show a finesse of craftsmanship. Some tartness and minerality come through, but they are minimal and balances, informing the drinker that this is bourbon more than they shout "rye" and "young". I would be very interested to try an older version of this, but I can thoroughly respect the distiller's decision to bottle it at whatever age it is. There's a definite traditional vibe going on here that would put this right at home at Thanksgiving. There isn't much that suggests licorice. It's more like Evan Williams kicked up a few notches than it is like Jim Beam Black. I'd prefer this to E.H. Taylor Four Grain on most occasions due to its complexity, balance, and skill of execution. It's subtle and continually interesting. It gives Wild Turkey Jewbillee a run for its money. This is super easy to sip. Its rye presence is felt, but it's rounded and complex. Sure, it tastes young, but it also tastes refined. Cinnamon, vanilla, caramel (the good kind), wood, apple, mild cherry, some mineral that isn't overwhelming and blends with the light fruit and floral flavors. There's some nice smoke in the richness that isn't obtrusive and the spiciness is felt and tasty without being harsh and overwhelming. There's eventually a bit of clover, but it's mild and subtlely enjoyable.