Tastes
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Barrell Bourbon Batch 023
Bourbon — (bottled in) Kentucky, USA
Reviewed May 9, 2020 (edited May 30, 2020)Batch 023 is a hybrid of Batches 014 & 018 as I taste 014 and 023 side-by-side tonight. 023 has the quintessential Bourbon notes of 014 minus the vitamin note, with a nice dose of spice reminiscent of 018, but without the overt desert-like cinnamon bomb profile that made 018 notable. Overall, I prefer 023 narrowly over 014, and much more over 018, with Batch 017 in a photo finish with 023. Barrell is a premium Bourbon at a premium price, but it’s just so damn good. I’ll take one Barrell product over 2 mid-priced Bourbons anytime. -
Found this older batch at an out-of-the-way liquor store this afternoon when my COVID-19 induced boredom hit a new high that only a premium Bourbon could remedy. I saw Batch 014 on the shelf at a HyVee grocery store in Illinois quite some time ago, but passed on it in favor of a bottle of the highly awarded Batch 011 tucked away behind 2 bottles of the 014 (score!). The 011 is still unopened for a coming-soon special occasion (as is my 021 - bragging), but of all the batches I’ve tasted or opened so far, 017 has been my favorite. The 014 comes in at a close 2nd with a nice balance of sweetness and mineral thanks to the Dickel juice in the blend. Some find the vitamin-like mineral note off-putting, but I find that it is mostly restrained, and plays very well against the sweet fruit and baking spice notes that are dominant in 014. The proof is perfect at 109.4 and makes for a near perfect after dinner dram. Of course, I couldn’t wait for dinner to open this as I need immediate stay-at-home gratification, so thank you Barrell Craft Spirits and Batch 014....feeling much better now 👌.
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Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve Bourbon
Bourbon — Indiana (bottled in Tennessee), USA
Reviewed March 28, 2020 (edited May 19, 2020)Batch 19-12, 115.8 proof. I’ve had this bottle open for a few weeks and was impressed from the initial taste with the quality, viscosity, and flavor of this Bourbon, which I find rather unique. I’m having trouble pinpointing any specific or dominant flavor, but Honey and Almond come to mind, with a slight touch of cherry on the finish. Oak does not come through at all, which is surprising to me at this proof. Overall, I’m just loving this unique and well balanced Bourbon, and the flavors seem to pop more and more as the weeks go by. Just a damn good Bourbon that I was fortunate enough to land in a trade, as I’ve never seen the cask strength anywhere in the upper Midwest. If all batches are this good, it’s on my permanent Bourbon wish list. -
Batch 13J30 Found a 375ml bottle today of this older batch from 2013. Nose: a lighter nose with dill, caramel, oak, rye spice Palate: hits easy with classic Bourbon barrel notes initially, followed by a nice punch of rye spice, and with a fainter dill element than what’s on the nose. The flavors really pop, but are very coherent. Medium viscosity, and the heat level matches it’s proof. Finish : medium finish similar to the palate flavors, but with the rye spice and light dill note reminding you that it is a Rye, not a Bourbon. Overall, this is a quality Rye that is well balanced and just sips so damn easy I can’t stop refilling my glass. The downside for me is the state minimum price of $69.99 for a 750 ($37 for the 375)..... lots of stiff competition in that price range. Interestingly, the store had 750’s of the 2015 batch at $54.99, which scanned at $69.99. Of course, they wouldn’t honor the old sticker price (bastards). Oh well, I’ll just enjoy this ‘baby’ bottle and decide if I want to go back for the other 3 that were going unnoticed on the shelf.
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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A120
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed March 1, 2020 (edited May 19, 2021)Hot Butterscotch. In a face-off with C919, the A120 is very similar in nose and palate, but drinks considerably hotter. The C919 is a bit darker (i.e., leather), but is more balanced and a bit more pleasant considering that they are essentially the same proof. I like both, but C919 gets the nod. Both bottles have been open for a couple of weeks, so let’s see if A120 closes the (small) gap in a few weeks. If C919 is still on the shelf in your hood, I recommend bunkering 1 or 2 as this is the best of the 2019 batches IMO. Don’t fret if A120 hasn’t made it your way yet......good juice (as are all ECBP’S), but not next level. -
1792 Full Proof Straight Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed February 4, 2020 (edited June 30, 2020)The word that popped into my head when I first tasted a newly purchased bottle of this was ‘gasoline’. The 2nd taste a week or so later is less offensive, but the flavors still have not caught up with the especially harsh alcohol punch with the short air time. I’ll give this beast another couple of weeks to improve, otherwise I will just use it to proof bump some lower proof whiskeys. A bit disappointed, but still optimistic. Update: tried a few days later after drinking ECBP and now liking the 1792 FP. Air time seems to be its best friend. Gave it another quarter point, looking forward to its continued evolution....... 2nd Update: “what a difference a day makes”, so to speak. This dram is now showing nice layers of vanilla and caramel sweetness that were quite muted before, and the ethanol has softened a bit. This bourbon has evolved from ape to man more so than any other I’ve owned. Might be a good Bourbon to use with a decanter if time or patience not possible. -
Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed January 31, 2020 (edited October 21, 2020)Tried it twice, smells like nail polish remover. ECBP WAY BETTER. Save your money. -
A total cinnamon bomb that is a real treat after a nice meal. Definitely not your classic bourbon flavor profile, but delivers a bold and well rounded spice experience from front to back that I haven’t experienced in any other Whiskey. Overall I think I prefer batch 017 which is more in my flavor wheelhouse, but Barrell 018 is a nice trip to a special place.
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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C919
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed January 4, 2020 (edited October 21, 2020)In a side-by-side comparison, the C919 simply outshines the B519 thanks to the beautiful richness and viscosity that has made ECBP such a popular and sought after whiskey. The C batch takes everything in the B batch to another level, and has the classic sweet Bourbon flavors to match the powerful oak and proof inherent in this batch. I bunkered a 2nd bottle of this beauty....don’t pass on this one if your on the fence.....a terrific bottle of Bourbon. -
Booker's Bourbon Batch 2019-02 "Shiny Barrel Batch"
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed December 2, 2019 (edited April 10, 2020)A good Bourbon, but not a great Bourbon especially at the premium price point. Not enough viscosity, flavor, and complexity to back up the significant burn IMO. Has plenty of the Beam funk as noted in the other reviews which is its most unique characteristic. Overall, I like it, but don’t like it enough to purchase another bottle for 80 bucks. If this 6-year old dram was priced correctly at $50-$60 I would always have one on hand. WT Rare Breed is money better spent.
Results 11-20 of 37 Reviews