Tastes

Mini-bottle Battle: Jim Beam Black Extra Aged vs. Jim Beam Devil's Cut vs. Rebel Yell Devil's Cut edges out Black with Rebel Yell in a distant third.

Mini-bottle Battle: Jim Beam Black Extra Aged vs. Jim Beam Devil's Cut vs. Rebel Yell Devil's Cut edges out Black with Rebel Yell in a distant third.

Mini-bottle Battle: Jim Beam Black Extra Aged vs. Jim Beam Devil's Cut vs. Rebel Yell Devil's Cut edges out Black with Rebel Yell in a distant third.

Tasted against Rittenhouse BIB, no comparison. Rittenhouse has so much more depth and flavor.

$20 'Wheater' Throw-down; Weller Special Reserve vs Larceny Color: Larceny slightly darker Nose: Both are pretty faint, but Larceny is a bit more present and slightly more complex Palate: Best part of both, but Larceny has a better/bigger mouthfeel; while Larceny is more complex, Weller SR is a bit smoother Finish: Again, not a big finish on either, but Larceny bests Weller SR Overall, these are very similar, but I think the edge goes to Larceny. For ~$20, hard to be disappointed with either.

Bottled: 9.8.17; Barrel 4426 *Haven't tasted yet

Batch 7, 130 proof Nose: 4 | loads of sugary sweetness Palate: 4 | big mouthfeel, lots of sweet caramel, vanilla, bit of heat Finish: 4 | lingering burn, but if oak Price: 4 | great value at ~$50 Verdict: Bottle

2017 bottle: 3.75 Nose: 3.75 | sugary sweetness, wet oak Palate: 3.75 | sweet - light caramel, burnt sugar with some candied fruit and a bit of oak and cedar on the finish Finish: 3.75 Price: 3.75 | great value everyday bourbon at $30 Verdict: Bottle

Barreled: 12.10.2007, barrel 4075 Color: Brilliant Amber Nose: 3.75 | sweet brown sugar, caramel, some dried fruit (apricot?) and rickhouse must Palate: 4 | sweet (brown sugar, caramel) with a fair bit of wood, oak and dust; really nice mouthfeel Finish: 4 | medium+ length finish (woodiness, oak, dusty earth and some baking spice) Price: 4.5 | 10 year BIB for $30?! All day long... Verdict: Bottle One of my absolute favorite bourbons.

2018 release; 3.75 Nose: 3.75 | sweet, rich brown sugar, hint of corn Palate: 4 | sweet caramel, slight spice in the backed; nice mouthfeel though not big Finish: 3.75 | it hangs around, but nothing memorable Price: 3.75 | while I really enjoy this, there are so many options at $70+ Compared to 2017 Small Batch: Single Barrel edges out the Small Batch, similar characteristics, but definitely a better, amped up version Verdict: Bottle Though I've heard this is an inconsistent offering, I lucked out with a very solid pour.