Tastes

Coming back to this for the first time after starting my journey into understanding whiskey gave me a newfound appreciation for Crown. Rather than hate this as something cheap and universally available, I found this to be pleasant but simple. I recall hating this much more when I was younger and would take shots of it at a bar. However, tonight, I discovered a 2/3 empty bottle of Crown Royal in the back of my cooking cabinet, and curiosity got the better of me. Coming from drinking cask strength bourbons on a regular basis, this had no burn whatsoever. Exceptionally smooth, with a juicy burst of white grape and pinot grigio. A discernible rye spice on the finish that surprised me. Reminiscent of juicier, watered down, MGP Rye. I rarely drink 80 proof whiskey, but tonight's taste piqued my interest enough to have me pull out one of the few in my collection: standard, 4-year, Templeton Rye. Surprisingly, the crown had noticeable similarities, though obviously less spicy. I do wonder if regular crown tastes like this, or if sitting 2/3 full for years in the back of a cabinet helped It improve

Just cracked open a Store Pick Cask Strength, Single Barrel Dad's Hat Rye at 4 years and 122.4 proof... and WOW, I'm blown away by the quality (especially at the price but honestly at any price). These guys are really killing it out here (both the distillers and the barrel pickers). My notes: Apple, red wine, cherry jam, port wine, and rhubarb pie filling in the nose with a slight hint of violet or some other flower. Flavor is stewed fruits, mulled wine, and maraschino cherries with a hint of violet and a ginger-and-cracked-white-pepper-like burn on the finish that lasts and lasts and lasts. Maybe a hint of cocoa floating around there, too. Really coats the month. Surprisingly low alcohol burn at 122.4 proof, but the rye spice heat is unmistakable. Man, this is good! Here's some reading on the style of you're curious: http://whiskyadvocate.com/old-monongahela-rye/

Short: Just say no. Long: tastes like a Frankenstein's monster of cheap Scotch and young tequila. Nose is light and malty. There is not a noticeable alcohol burn that is often associated with cheap liquor. Rather the problem is in the flavor profile. It just does not work. So, really, please just say no.

A bit disappointed. Not as good as the port wine barrel finished or the regular Dad's Hat. Smells like a mix of scotch and honey. Tastes a bit like it, too. Tastes young, with a honeysuckle quality. Dry peanut in the finish. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.

Excellent, smooth sipper that is extremely well-priced and probably overlooked. As a port barrel finished rye, I think I might have to try this side-by-side with A Midwinter's Night Dram. It might be comparable at just over half the price

Single barrel picked for the 2018 Kentucky Bourbon Affair tasted at a bottle share. My impression was entirely favorable. Deep, rich liquid toffee. Good viscocity and low burn. Wish I could find a bottle. I'd buy it in a heartbeat

Had a pour straight from a bottle that had been kept in my cold car, so it was essentially chilled. Initial flavor note was overwhelmingly brown sugar and cinnamon. As it warmed up, I really noticed that dry, dusty peanut flavor people often associate with Bean products. I don't know if I get anything from this I associate with country ham. Overall, good, but not the best Booker's I've had. Good depth, slight burn, medium finish. Nose is a bit disappointing. Honestly, not much there. I wasn't using a nosing glass though.

I am happy to have tried this early on in a night of drinking, because this is a great pour but it is ultimately light and nuanced and I suspect I appreciated it more on a fresh palate than I would have after my senses became more dulled. Marshmallow sweetness with a touch of brown sugar and almond cookie. Reminds me a bit of vanilla custard. Really enjoyed this.

Rich, smooth, creamy vanilla with enough heat to make this really fun. Despite having this as my fourth drink of the night, it still had enough kick to really stand out and delight.