Tastes

The nose is so much peanut shells and ethanol. There is a sweetness to it, like caramel and confectioner’s sugar, but the ethanol is pretty tough to get through. Usually it burns off after some time in the glass or with some air in the bottle, but this sticks around. Oak and more peanut shells on the palate, with more ethanol burn through the finish. Very medicinal and not in any good way (though I struggle to think of a good way I could mean that). A little vanilla and caramel sweetness comes through oak in later sips, but that ethanol really brings a bitterness to the finish that I just don’t love. This isn’t for me.

Just tasty as hell. Apricots and tropical fruit, gummy candy. It’s flavorful and just in your face. This is a dangerous pour. Really really tasty.

Nose: Incredibly soft nose for 115 proof. No ethanol burn whatsoever. Sweet red fruit (maybe dried plums), vanilla birthday cake, raisin biscuits. Some very tangy citrus notes later in the glass; like a glazed lemon bundt cake that eventually turns into a strong lemon zest. Very complex nose as it opens up. Palate: Sweet oak notes to start, followed by strong cola notes. Gets even better later in the glass: sweet citrus and vanilla bean coming through. More oak and tangy cola along with lemon meringue. It’s crazy and all over the place, but the further in you get, the better it is. Finish: The flavors linger on the palate, and the tanginess really sticks with you because of just how out of the blue it is. It’s still sweet, like a bread pudding woth lemon zest on it. Like a lemon pie with vanilla ice cream. It’s still in my mouth and mind as I type this description and I haven’t had a sip for a full minute at least. Overall: This is a great, unique, crazy complex bourbon. For the price, it ought to be. But this is something I’ll be reaching for (and salivating while I think of it) on very special occasions. Man… I’ll be looking forward to the 2023 edition of this. May be a new annual tradition I have to look forward to.

Sweet corn and oats followed by cinnamon red hot candies. Notes of cinnamon oatmeal with raisins and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Not as sweet as the EW BiB, but the extra time in the barrel gives it some oakiness and bite that’s missing from the white label. They’re both really, really good for the price, but such different products. Evan Williams may be the king of the bottom shelf, and that’s definitely not a bad thing.

Vanilla, orange zest and baking spice on the nose. The palate reminds me of the mid-palate of OGD Bonded: it’s like a high rye bourbon, but without the initial kick of corn on the palate. Just smooth and a little bit of herbal bite to it. There’s a sweetness hiding (vanilla-ish), but mostly baking spice and herbal notes. There’s a sweet hint of mint on the finish, along with more citrus (not just orange, maybe some lemon or lime). Really satisfying change of pace for a high rye bourbon lover, and a fantastically smooth and refreshing summer dram.

Banana, chocolate, peanut butter, and oak. Really, really tasty. Without a doubt, my favorite JD expression. Takes a lot of the harsh banana notes of Old No. 7 and makes them softer and gentler. There’s a little bitterness from the oak on the back end, but it doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. Just a very nice BiB from JD.

* Nose - Plums, figs, and raisin… assorted dried red fruit is perfectly balanced on the nose. Cinnamon and spice behind it. There’s definite traces of ethanol that you’d expect at this high proof, but it doesn’t overpower the nose like you’d expect/worry. Going back after it’s sit a few minutes brings some sweet bread and vanilla pudding. * Taste - First sip is stunning. Cinnamon, dried fruit, and a bright blast of vanilla. Sweet bread, spice cake, and anise on the back of the palate come through strong later on. I can’t place it exactly, but it’s delightful. One of the most beautifully complex whiskeys I’ve ever tasted. * Finish - Long and powerful. I never understood the “Kentucky Hug” so much until I tasted this. The taste lingers and warms your chest. Oh, this is just a lovely winter bourbon. * Uniqueness - Barrell comes up with some of the most unique and finely-crafted whiskey blends in the game right now, and it shows that they’re masters of the craft. A whiskey blend finished in rum barrels, port pipes, and Cabernet casks and becomes… this? Amazing. * Value - I was able to snag this on sale ($75) and I may go back and get a second to save for later. $85 for a bottle is steep for me, but… this is probably the most unique, different, and delicious whiskey I may have tasted in my relatively young bourbon/whiskey journey. (MSRP $85)

Added a bit of water to this bourbon and it really hit different. It opens up a lot and takes some of the ethanol burn off. Get that OF sweet cherry and oak. Just shockingly delightful with some water in it. Completely turned me around on this dram.

* Nose - Sweet, but subtle nose. Vanilla, caramel, and some spice. Maybe cinnamon or nutmeg. Later on, leather and smoke. Not overly complex but very different and pleasant as hell. * Taste - Smooth sip. Unique smokiness, unlike other bourbons I’ve had. Some oakiness with soft vanilla and caramel later. Unmistakably Wild Turkey. The lower the glass gets, the more that becomes apparent. Very muted palate, though. This would’ve been a fantastic 100 proof bourbon, but at 86, it left me wanting a little bit. * Finish - Super short finish, but that seems to be the name of the game with this bourbon. Just… good. * Uniqueness - The smokiness really adds some charm to this dram. This would be an outstanding smooth whisky to drink around the campfire with some friends. * Value - It’s different, charming, and smooth as a glass marble on a patch of ice. The celebrity endorsement certainly helps raise this bourbon’s profile, though I wouldn’t price it where it’s at. Got it on sale for $35 and I’m fine with that or a different taste and a really likable (if just simple enough) bourbon experience. (MSRP $40)