This is an interesting bourbon. I think the story and history still makes this bottle priced what it is. Smell is cherry overtaken by a strong charred oak. That oak taste really hits hard at first touch of the palate with a corn taste as well. As you finish it loses a little of that oak flavor and burn. Almost conceding to an ethanol taste. Not overly bad, but definitely a unique bourbon. 2.5 whiskey barrel salute.. will taste again and see if it improves with being opened.