Nose: Someone crafted a cherry and apple pie combination... and I am not even mad about it. Definitely an oak presence, some vanilla, Carmel, almond, hardly any astringency at all. Palate: more red fruits come through, coats the mouth very well, oak is forward. You can tell this has been in a barrel a long time. A slightly oily consistency, with an almost heavy cream like feel. Finish: beautiful for a bottled in bond. A true Kentucky hug. That lasts and lasts. I am new to bourbon and I admit that my palate is young and I need some experience of tasting other fine bourbons that are hard to find, but to this day this is hands down the best bourbon I have ever had. I would give this a 5 out of 5, but my hope is that there is something out there that can edge it out.