Ethanol smell lingering for a while, some faint vanilla and oak. A little bland at first followed by some mild spice and then a flavor that I can't make out yet but it makes it hard to truly enjoy. I will see what happens when the bottle is at half way. But so far, not a flavor deserving of the price point. Came back to it after a month. Well... it actually taste decent now and that ethanol smell is almost fully gone. Bottle is a little more then half full and I guess some air has dramatically helped with the flavor. $90 ... well... it is a nice bottle. I always keep learning. Give the bottle some time to breathe and the taste might surprise you. (Still waiting on my Yamazaki to taste better )