In 1789 Reverend Elijah Craig, considered to be the father of bourbon was the first to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels. To this day the bourbon is made in small batches and aged for twelve years to ensure smooth and soft flavors in each sip. Terrific sweet aromas of caramel and burnt sugar start this terrific multi sensual experience as soon as it hits the glass and enters the nose. These flow into the mouth with a touch of heat and explode like fireworks with additional notes of vanilla, clove, oak, and mesquite. the finish has some heat but the mellow charcoal flavors tame it perfectly making for a very smooth and gratifying tasting experience. This is an extremely value priced bottle of bourbon for the quality that is in the bottle, a real treat for for an every day price.