1st Review from an admitted newbie. Elijah Craig Small Batch

Ok...my first ever attempt at a review. This is only my fourth bourbon sampled and the first time I have tasted this one, so be gentle...

Background. I wanted to be a scotch guy. I really did. Only issue I had was that I didn't like it. Not only did I not like it, I disliked it so much I really could not understand how anyone could like it. ok,,,maybe Irish Whisky. Close but no cigar. Love cigars by the way. My brother suggest trying bourbon as an alternative and he was right. After burning through page after page on this forum and watching videos on YouTube. Ralfy, Pyle, Whiskey Bitch...I selected a bottle of Makers 46 as my first. I did like it, but found the oak overwhelming. At the weekend Binnys sale, I bought the Elijah Craig and here is what I get from it.

Test is being enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass. Freshly opened bottle and rested for 15 minutes after pouring.

Nose: I pick up a sweetness reminding me of creme brulee, I get oak, burnt sugar, mint, a floral note I can't quite put my finger on but it is very pleasant.

Palate: Wow. Delicious caramel and butterscotch on the lead which transitions into a race of spiciness that runs down the middle of my tongue. A lot going on. Maybe too much for my newbie palate to discern...oak on the tail end.

Finish: Long and lingering spice. White pepper. Pie crust (is that stupid?)

Keeping in mind this is only the 4th bourbon I have sampled. This is the best so far, edging out my previous favorite. Four Roses SIB. There's a lot going on but it all seems to exist in harmony with no one note dominating for a significant length of time. It is not difficult to tell why this is so highly regarded.

I guess I have to give a score. Out of 100, I would give it a...

90 I would not hesitate to buy again and I am going to finish the rest of my glass and maybe pour another after that. Thanks for reading!