Tastes

Batch 10, 126.4 proof Neat from a Glencairn glass Smell the high proof on the nose with vanilla and ripe fruits Heat hits up front on the palate with barrel spice, then my favorite part: rich cherry, raisin and fig flavors fade into more spice while caramel lingers on the tongue. Oak shows itself at the end. Nice long finish with alternating flavors from the palate. Super smooth throughout. Spice carries through the end and you can feel this one going all the way down. This is my favorite bourbon so far. Balance and flavors are exceptional.

Just tried this next to the B519 Beautiful deep amber color. Smell is very sweet, enticing. I can picture myself drinking this on a crisp fall day. Vanilla, caramel are what stand out. Wouldn’t know it was this high proof from the smell. Very full taste, much more so than B519. Honey sweet up front that spreads across the tongue with vanilla then turns to nice, smooth spicy notes. Still wouldn’t know the high proof, it’s that smooth. To me the finish wasn’t quite as long as B519 and did not get the “blossoming” effect but still very nice. Caramel lingers on the tongue with a hint of oak. Close, but A119 wins the battle for now.

Just tasted this next to the A119. Beautiful deep amber color. Smells of sweet vanilla and cinnamon spice. Maybe a slight hint of baked apple pie. With the taste, definitely get heat up front with honey, vanilla and baking spices. Finish is long that alternates between sweet and spicy, I would describe it as a blossoming finish. Burn hangs around. Very balanced though. Think both are great but A119 wins.