When I grabbed this bottle I didn't realize that it bore a 12 year age statement, so that was a nice surprise. As I have noticed with almost every version of Elijah Craig I've tried, the nose on the barrel proof is so sweet. It's a wonderful mix of brunt caramel and vanilla. On the palate there's a brown sugar sweetness, and a nice smokey char flavor. I don't pick up much in the way of spice. Most of the heat comes from the proof, but it's nice and warming, not harsh. The finish is oak, leather, and a hint of dark chocolate. It's a long finish that's slightly bitter sweet.