The nose on this is definitely a bit different from the average bourbon. It's got some definite spice similar to a rye spice but also a sort of wet cardboard sort of aroma. On the palate, well, it doesn't taste like Uncle Ben's. The palate is extremely subtle and muted, but quite pleasant. It's also on the weak side, tasting much weaker than 45%. The finish is very light, just a bit of bourbon fumes and then a sort of graininess, really the only discernible rice-like flavor I've gotten from it (and if I didn't know it was made with rice, there is no way I would have identified it that way).

This one is sort of nice in its understatedness. It's not something I would seek out, but it's perfectly nice for sipping. I actually think there is something to it, and if I were BT, I'd probably thing about further rice experiments as they could use the formula to end up with an ideal flavor profile for someone who wants a lighter bourbon.

Nose is missing.

Palate is momentarily present. Vaguely like watery bourbon with a drop of some kind of Asian sauce. This is just so slight. If we weren't in the middle of an American whiskey renaissance, I'd think this was a fabulous product to market to those who require flavorless but not nasty (read: nearly all vodka) boozes, either for ice or to mix. Tastes a lot less than 45%.

It's hard for me to hate something so nothing, but hard to find anything to love as well. 

N: Lightly sweet - grainy notes and some definite corn upfront; butterscotch and maple syrup. A very little bit of pepper, faint cherry and clay.

P: Light mouthfeel, almost watery. Doesn't make a huge statement. Sweetness develops, maple syrup and a little clay and cherry as balance. White pepper, cinnamon. Moderate wood influence which is just at the edge of becoming too bitter. Corn perks up near the end but nothing is bold about this.

F: Hot and dry with cinnamon, black cherry, and an odd grain note. A bit funky but still clean. It's more textural than having a distinct taste. Reasonably lasting and sits on the cusp of sweet and btiter.

The finish grain note is unlike anything I've had in a whiskey. I'd imagine it's the rice; the only thing I was reminded of was the aftertaste of a lukewarm Sapporo. This is a reasonably interesting whiskey but it's more a curiosity than something you'd want to settle down with.