Tastes

I don't get it. Tastes like a too young whiskey placed for too short a time in a finishing cask. Oh wait! But seriously the flavors dont meld together well and it's a bottle I had to force myself to drink just to get it off my shelf.

Store pick at 115 proof. For the price it's pretty unbeatable. Full flavor rye, great taste without too much burn. And amazing for Manhattans.

First Stagg Jr. I did a blind taste test with this and Booker's Shiny Barrel Batch. Shiny Barrel won pretty solidly. However, this is very good. It's as some say not as complex as maybe other batches (I dont know) it's certainly not as complex as the Booker's. I wouldnt pay over 100 for this. Under 90 seems about right. But it's not one to sell the farm for.

Knob creek has a distinct taste. I've never had the 15 year, but this takes the 9 year and "single barrel" 120 proof and evens everything out for a very smooth finish while balancing the flavors off perfectly. It's hard to compare this to anything else. But I think youd be hard pressed to find someone who doesnt enjoy this. Very solid bourbon.

Damnit! Why does this taste so good!? Now I have to buy 150 dollar whiskey! Im a bourbon drinker and received this as a gift. Despite the price my expectations weren't high. This is definitely different than a bourbon but also much less peaty than a scotch. Buttery smooth and can hold an ice cube well. If you have an opportunity to get this at a bar first go for it!

One of the best for the price and availability. Depending on the barrel it can go from very good to amazing. It's a high rye mashbill so it's more spicy than sweet. But the flavors are great and pretty mellow hotness for a 100 proof. Highly recommended. Much better than the more expensive small batch select imo.