Tastes

I think this is just fine, but it did not really set itself apart when I sampled as part of a large tasting event. It's very smooth, sweetish, and drinkable. However I could say that about a lot of less rare bourbons.

Reviewing the Wegmans Single Barrel store pick. Since I last reviewed this, I have let it sit for a week. it now gets a mild upgrade. I still don't love it, but it is at least drinkable. it has picked up interesting burnt orange and floral (lavender / Violet) notes. the balance is still off, and it is still too hot. this is probably my least favorite Barrel proof bourbon.

I know I gave this an average review when I first tried it, but since it's sat open, it's become more undrinkable with every consecutive return taste. This is currently the worst bottle in my collection, and I don't think I can possibly finish this bottle without mixing it into some cocktail or other.

In a nutshell, this is too hot and is perhaps the first bourbon I've added an ice cube to in years. This website and BreakingBourbon did a good write up on this that that I agree with. For the record, I tried this on my own before reading any reviews. In any case, this bourbon is completely out-of-balance. Way too hot and spicy with not enough sweetness or other flavors whatsoever. Like you were making a cinnamon apple pastry but accidentally dumped the whole container of cinnamon in when the lid fell off. Some ice made it drinkable, but it still wasn't likeable. I promise to revisit this after it has had some time to sit open.

Served neat in a rocks glass at the bar from a bottle that was 80% empty, so I suspect it had time to soften in the bottle. Reminds me of a sweet rum syrup with a hint of black tea and a subtly hot spice character on the back end. Great length of finish with a low burn. Perfect balance with a recognizable Booker's flavor profile. Similar to 2018-4 "Kitchen Sink" Expectedly excellent

Overrated by this site at 94, but still a solid offering, especially when it can be had around $30. I am heavily reminded of banana pudding with spice. There are definitely creamy milky characteristics with clove and anise. I honestly think this is quite interesting, but I personally just can't get behind it. I think the amount of anise is off-putting.

I can't decide how I should rate this. As a rye, it somewhat disappoints, being too subdued, smooth and sweet, without the complex rye characters I want when specifically reaching for a rye, giving it a 3.5. On the other hand, if I didn't know this was a rye, I'd think it was a high-rye bourbon and give it a 3.75 , because it drinks pretty smooth with just enough character to make it interesting. At the end of the day, I think this lacks a bit of depth to break into the 4.00+ category, especially compared to the many other available and well-rounded rye whiskies you can get.

Had this soon after the Black Maple Hill Rye (Green Label) and it reminds me of that. A little bit less grassy, a little smoother, sweeter, easy, and balanced. A little less nuanced. A little more forgettable. I think this is a pretty neat (interesting) pour. Obviously somewhat spicy but less so than your average rye. Lighter in color than many pours. A touch of clove. A touch of spiced wine.

Wow. What an interesting pour! Which is not to say good or bad so much as unique! Grassy... or could also be described as piney or sappy! A little like lemon grass and green tea with a sweet tea (boiled white sugar) sweetness. I've decided I like this although it's probably not worth the price. I imagine it's not for everyone. I suspect I could make an amazing cocktail with this mixed into sweetened iced green tea or black tea with a touch of mint.

Reminds me of a burnt Ginger snap cookie, Ginger-forward (or is it sasparilla?) with hints of anise and cardamom. Not sure what else I'm tasting here. A little overwhelmingly sweet with the first sip, but you get used to it and it gets much better after that. Still not a favorite, but nothing there to keep you from coming back.