Tastes

111.6 proof Nose: 4.25 | incredible blend of sweetness and mint Palate: 4.5 | creamy mouthfeel; juicy sweetness and loads of mint Finish: 4 Price: 4.25 Verdict: Bottle This is a grown up version of the 3 year offering, bringing in much more depth.

Nose: 3.75 | sweet; cereal, berries Palate: 3.75 | candied fruit, some caramel and vanilla Finish: 3.75 | hangs around a bit, but nothing overly memorable Price: 4 | @ $26, this is a great everyday bourbon Verdict: Bottle I didn't want to buy into the hype and on a fresh Crack, I wasn't overly impressed; however, revisiting this a few weeks later, I'm a big fan.

*Haven't tasted yet Barrel 18G1031 (2018); though a 10 year, Michter's announced the 2018 selections were actually 12 Years *Received in a trade for a 2018 Elmer T Lee*

2018 Lukas Wine and Spirits Store Pick; 12 Years Nose: 3.75 | caramel, candied orange and slight cherry followed up by wet oak Palate: 4 | very much like the nose but with mint and more oak on the finish Finish: 3.75 | minty/oak finish that hangs around; nice hug for the proof Price: 4.25 | under $30 for a 12 year store pick, crazy Verdict: Bottle An absolute favorite and something I will always have on hand

Cloakroom Bar in Montréal; $30 CAD ($23 USD) Nose: 4 | caramel, oak, leather Palate: 4.25 | follows the nose, but with a great bit of spice Finish: 4 | not much hug, but the spice lingers Price: 4 | @ retail Verdict: Bottle Unfortunately, will never find @ retail. Very very good, but not worth secondary.

TWCP ('18) Store Pick Nose: 4 | lots of vanilla, candied fruit Palate: 4.25 | big mouthfeel; oak, dust, spice Finish: 4.25 | medium+ length finish, lingering rye spice Price: 4 Verdict: Bottle Great pick from TWCP

Nose: 3.5 | vanilla, dust Palate: 3.75 | very nice mouthfeel; vanilla, oak, leather; easy drinker for the proof Finish: 3.5 | mid-length finish; oak and slight spice Price: 4 | another great value bourbon; sadly discontinued but will be replaced by Ezra Brooks 7 Year Barrel Strength Verdict: Bottle Great daily drinker. Hoping I can find a few more of these before they disappear forever...

3.75-4.0; tasting @ PDX ($3) Definitely enjoyed, but a tad on the pricey side...

@ Twisted Fish in Seaside, OR

Nose: 3.5 | citrus and honey, slight licorice; reminds me of an old fashioned... Palate: 3.5 | candied fruit, caramel and baking spice on the finish Finish: 3.75 | mid-length, dry, spicy finish Price: 4 | great value for a tasty BIB bourbon Verdict: Bottle Definitely something to keep on hand as a daily drinker or to mix into cocktails