Grabbed this a an affordable bourbon on the Texas gulf coast in Rockport. It really is quite similar to Beam Black . The main difference is the barrel oak cuts through every stage with authority. Its drier than the Black and as mentioned oak heavy. I prefer Beam Black(see my review if you like) but if the extra woodiness sounds like you give it a go. The value is there (I paid $24 in but this is less in most places) .....77/100.........The barrel notes hold up well as a mixer in coke