If I could give this a 4.1 as an in between, I would. Would have liked the proof a slight bit higher at this price point. Initially on the nose and taste it is like a finished whiskey in port barrels or something along those lines. After letting it sit though I get a smooth undertone of the typical beam nutty flavor. Finish is very pleasant and is fairly long. Overall, I hear the criticism that for the price point it may not be worth the extra money over the 9 year single barrel.