Tastes

The cabernet cask really comes on strong and shines above towards the end. However, as is always the case with 90 proof, the finish is short and leaves a little to be desired. Overall, solid offering from the folks at Stitzel-Weller.

For the price, it really doesn't give me anything to complain about. However, it also isn't anything that stands out. I like that they chose to do 100 proof for their entry bourbon because it didn’t drink like one. Is it super memorable? Not quite and I know there are some huge Knob Creek fans out there so I am sorry that I wasn’t in love with this bottle, but I won't stop trying all their offerings. I might would pick this up to share with friends.

Cherry notes tend to show up for me on Old Forester bourbons. and this one is no exception - it pops through in the nose, palate, and finish. Paired with the nice oak and plentiful flavor from the bottling strength, this is just a solid all-round bourbon for the price. I'd recommend this to pretty much anyone looking from something with a little punch and some flavor depth.

I like this bourbon. It's not complex, but it's balanced and is a nice representation of a high-rye bourbon. It's surprisingly bright and lively (in a very good way) for a 10 year bourbon. If you like Four Roses Small Batch, but find Four Roses Single Barrel a little too floral, try Bulleit 10 Year. Personally, I think Four Roses Single Barrel is an overall better bourbon (taste and price-wise). However, Bulleit 10 isn't too far from the mark. Just a little too low on the proof for my tastes. If it were 100+ proof, or even better, cask strength at the same price, I'd make sure to always have a few bottles on hand.

Nothing really stands out in this bourbon. It's an enjoyable pour that's simple and smooth. Comparable bottles are probably 1792 Small Batch and Bulleit Bourbon (90 proof). If I had to pick just one, I'd buy the 1792 Small Batch.

"Smooth" feels cliché, but this IS smooth. The flavors are still complex and satisfying. I can drink a lot of this and not get bored. If I had a friend who said they had never had small-brand bourbon before and wanted something "different", I might introduce them with this. There might be better examples of bourbon out there, but this is so approachable.

Lovely sweet bourbon. The sherry appears in the dark fruit finish. It’s a decadent raspberry jam sesh on the nose and palate.

Wow, this is an underrated bourbon. It is like dessert in a glass. Think a liquid smores with the toasted oak and chocolate notes here. For the price, it cannot be beat.

This will likely always be on my shelf. Plenty of complexity to enjoy neat and is also great for spicing up a nice cocktail. The balance of this is one of its best attributes, with a variety of sweet notes being balanced out masterfully by oak and spice. With the reasonable prices in most markets, I would definitely recommend picking up a bottle, as well.

One of the more interesting bourbons I've had the chance to try, and the one in my cabinet with the most almond characteristics - like the best amaretto you've ever tasted. It also has that typical Willett spice (anise, herbaceous, sharp) finish. The proof is right in the sweet spot for me. You can add water to tone it down or enjoy it neat.