The flavor is stronger and harsher than the Weller Special Reserve, the the ABV suggests. Wood and fruit are clearly present. This tastes like pretty standard bourbon, but the wood does not overwhelm. Some vanilla and a bit too much cinnamon are present. I wish it were sweeter and enjoy the more mellow taste of the Special Reserve. This isn't really even deeper; it's just stronger and less tasty. This has some more richness than the Weller Special Reserve does. It's spicy but also kind of sweet and fruity. The richness has chocolate and plenty of coffee. The fruit includes some nice orange and apple before highlighting raisin and dark cherry on the finish. There is some honey and a tad more vanilla is present than in the Special Reserve. It's a very enjoyable drink, but I wouldn't consider it to be terrific. Essentially, it's nice that it's a high ABV release and it has some deep flavors, but there's nothing here that amazes me. With water, more mineral shows up and the spice is more pronounced. The flavor doesn't develop more depth and it mostly just tastes like any other bourbon.