The nose is surprising. The first three things that came to mind were not terms I typically use to describe straight, unfinished whiskey: 1) cherry Robitussin cough syrup; 2) red hard candy; and 3) brandy. The longer I smell it, the more brandy I get, but with a distinct sweetness to it, like an orchard fruit brandy rather than cognac or armagnac. I'm really loving how this smells. The taste reminds me almost exclusively of brandy. Pear, apricots, white wine, and peach blossom all come through - and dominate - until the very end when the rye spice just starts to trickle in. The mild Canadian takes over the finish and lasts an exceptionally long time. This is a fantastic everyday drinker although it definitely prices itself out of that class.