Tastes

Wow. Just had a pour at Doe's Eat Place and I gotta get a bottle of this!The first thing you notice is the deep burnt Amber color. The nose is a rush of rich vanilla, caramel sweetness and oak char. Considering the high proof there is very little alcohol on the nose. The mouth feel is not as thick as I had hoped, although it's slightly viscous and pleasing. The pallet starts sweet and oaky with vanilla and dark chocolate. The medium finish is hot and spicy. (That's where 137 proof stands up!). Love this bourbon. It's easy see why the 12 year is so good, coming out of barrels like this. Acquistapace's $65

Alcohol is strong on the initial nose then a very pleasant nuttiness. The pallet is sweet with corn, just a little burn on the front of the tung. Mouth fell is nice goes down smooth with little burn in the belly. I like it.

Living in north LA I rarely have an opportunity to get in on a limited release like this. I was in Houston this weekend and the stars aligned! Spec's on Holcombe received the Knob Creek 2001 batch #2 the same day I walked in. At $125 it's a huge bourbon purchase for me, although after the first nose I was very glad I picked it up. The vanilla and sweetness floods the nose along with charred oak. The nose carries to the pallet filling the mouth with a luscious spicy oak filled finish. This is one I truly wish were more affordable. Red white and brews, Hammond, LA, $100 batch 1 Spec's Huston $125 patch 2

This is typical sweet Crown, although was a little disappointing. I really like the Crown Reserve over a little ice and the 75th just doesn't seem to hold up as well. It's smooth, although lacks the peppery flavor I expected from the added rye. At $60 for 750ml, I'll stick with the reserve. The 75 does have a cool silver bag though!

This one was a pleasant surprise. I haven't tried a lot of ryes, although the reviews I've read all sounded good. It's on every shelf I see and the price is right so I gave it a try. Amazingly smooth with a great peppery medium finish. I like to keep a number of bourbons on hand and this one disappears pretty quick!

I was disappointed with this one. Paid $49 in Baton Rouge. I am still developing my palate and not 100% sure, although the "oak tannins" seem to be over powering, even when mixed. I found it hard to sip neat, a little water opens it up a bit and takes off the tannin edge. Baton Rouge $50

I do like this bourbon. The nose is kinda flat, although the palate is typical bourbon with a little sweetness and corn. Finish is good with a little heat. Price is right and is fairly abundant in Louisiana.

No doubt this is Jim Beam! Nice sweet vanilla nose and palate, very smooth sipper with a nice medium finish. Could be on my top shelf. I think I paid $35 at a grocery store, easy to find, smooth and a great pour.

This is one of my favorites. Huge flavor with a long peppery finish. A little water and it's a real special glass of bourbon. It's one I would love to have more often that is getting harder to find. Ruston $56

This is just a good smooth bourbon loaded with flavor. Not to sweet, heavy vanilla. Medium finish. Awesome for the price.