First pour out of the bottle was a little hot and spicy...no shock. Let it set for a bit and came back with a lot more Carmel, vanilla and oak...finish still had spice and lasted for awhile. Second pour used a few ice cubes and that worked out beautifully. Really knocked out that initial rye spice punch and elevated the caramel/vanilla taste. Still gave the long lasting Kentucky hug at the end though. Barrel No: 8954 Barreled Date: 10-07-08