The best way to describe the nose on this bourbon is decadent. Chocolate, vanilla, caramel.. it smells like dessert in a glass. Once the sweetness subsides a little, velvety corn notes start to appear to remind you that this is indeed a bourbon. The palate is far less sweet then the nose indicates. You are instantly met with toasted wood and spices.. so clearly the stave strategy is working here. Next comes some more grain notes but not too much else... except a little more oak. I can see people really liking this palate but it may take me some time to fall in love. The finish is short and dry.. like mouthful of cinnamon challenge on you-tube dry. I wasn’t expecting it and perhaps it is a result of the French oak staves. This tastes more expensive then it is, and if you like dry, wood heavy bourbon, this is for you.