For me they include rich barrel flavors, a controlled rye bite, the lasting power of enough barrel tannins to sustain a decent finish, some corn sweetness, and above all, all this contained (for lack of a better word) within a subtlety that owes nothing to any single component.
Surely some of you bourbon enthusiasts who visit here have something to say about this, the drink we all say we love???
If not, you are unworthy of being privy to even that small amount of knowledge I have accumulated about bourbon.
SPEAK BOURBON LOVERS, HAVE YOU NO TONGUE?