The nose is fairly rich and difficult to discern, though it is on the earthier side. The palate is varied with a lot of spice, but not in a harsh way, mixed with some subdued fruit that tends toward the more tart, dry side, earthy cinnamon, and some bitter herbal flavors. There's a fair amount going on here and a solid amount of flavor. It would be good to drink or to sip. It tastes very good and balances the sweetness, herbalness, dryness, fruitiness, and richness. It's a bit on the dry and herbal side and could do with some more richness, but it's a lot better than Whistlepig 10's dry blandness. It's also a substantial improvement over the, light, sweet minerality of Templeton 4. With the high ABV considered as well, this is a good buy. It has more complexity than Rittenhouse and its flavors are better executed (none of that oiliness), but it lacks that tremendous level of richness. For mixing a rich rye drink, Rittenhouse is the sure winner, but for sipping neat, I think I prefer the Whistlepig.