Tastes

For review #2, I've pulled out an interesting one. Apparently this isn't widely available to all, which is unfortunate. This is one of my all time favorite underdogs. The flavor profile, although it's a tad thin, is amazing for its $12.99 price. Neat, It's got a nice light burn initially but then sweetens out with loads of vanilla. You can suck it down neat with no regrets, or mix with anything and not feel guilty. I would put this against bourbons in the $30-$40 dollar range. Similar to EWSB, but different enough to add to the collection. If anyone knows anything else about this gem, let us know. Not a lot of detailed info online about it. This is one of the better bourbon deals on the market, if it's in your market

Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond baby! The bourbon, also referred to as the White Label, is a 100 proof manly bourbon that will put testicles on your chest. A bit of alcohol up front, but then it's candy land from there. At $13.99 for a liter, this stuff rocks! Superbon bourbon! This ousts EW 1783 only because it's slightly more flavorful being higher proof. For kicks, blind taste this with some friends.

Let's bust out a true boner classic: Evan Williams Single Barrel. This has been a staple in my bourbon cabinet for years. I drink all my bourbon neat with no ice, no water so I like a heavy proof manly whiskey that puts hair on your chest. This is stuff is so low proof, mouth wash has more burn. But don't let that fool you, it's so smooth and mellow, with loads of syrup and brown sugar. Even though I've moved on to bigger, bolder bourbons this one will always have a spot on the bench.

Who doesn't love samples? Last year, I calculated that I consumed an estimated $8.7 million dollars worth of free chicken parmesan samples at Costco. @buckyparks graciously sent me a sample of something I've been curious to get my hands on: Barrell Bourbon. This is batch #6, which is legendary upon Barrell enthusiasts and I see why! First waft, whiff, and sip I immediately think of OBSQ Four Roses, but I realize this is a Tennessee sourced whiskey so thats not possible. It's so fruity and flowery, with a burst of Big Red gum at the end. Had an embarrassing ugly cry when this one was over. I was giving my whiskey glass an unflattering, desperate licking after this sample was gone. For this batch, I'm busting out the big boners. Great job Barrell! 4.8 out of 5 boners

One might imagine when Hollywood celebrities get together and reminisce about their Oscars and how much they love themselves, they would be drinking a fine whiskey from a crystal decanter. The Hilhaven Lodge would like you to believe they might be drinking this whiskey, which is a blend of rye whiskey from the 80's, Tennessee whiskey from the 90's, and bourbon from the 2000's. Blending whiskies is nothing new, but blending from different decades is unique and rare. This is a fairly dark whiskey for being 80 proof, and it's also much more flavorful than most 40% alcohol whiskies. Fruity and crisp, I like this juice! Easy drinker for sure, but I wish it had a tad more depth. Raising the ABV to a 90-110 proofer would make this some seriously good stuff. As is, not too shabby so if it's available in your area, buy a bottle or try it at the bar. 3.9 out of 5 boners

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon, part of their "whiskey row" series of bourbon. This has some stellar reviews, so I figure it's time to dabble the Boner in it. Immediately the smell of "holiday spices" hit the nose. The taste follows suite with thick creamy cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla slooooowly dripping down the throat. Ever go down a metal slide in the summertime with your exposed thighs and butt cheeks slowly screeching the descent? That's what this does to the esophagus and you quickly remember this is 115 proof whiskey. I haven't had this years Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, but I don't desire it with this in my cabinet. Drink enough of this, I'll be giving my neighbors a super moon followed by a super hangover. Fantastic job Old Forester! 4.7 out of 5 boners!