Tastes

Enjoying neat from a freshly opened bottle. The nose is reminiscent of sweet BBQ. The palette is a mix of sweet and savory. The corn sweetness comes through in spades as does the smoke. The alcohol is not as noticeable as the 106 proof may lead one to believe. Continued sipping gains some rough edges, not sure if acclimating to the sweetness or if the proof is building on the palette. This is not a subtle dram but I am enjoying it very much. Note that 30-45 minutes after my drink I was still exhaling the smoke (like after sitting around a smoky fire but delicious and enjoyable). It also made the sub sandwich I had taste like it was smoked. Went back to this dram the next day and the smokiness was still there but was either subdued or hiding behind the rough and sharp notes that made me think young whiskey (the age statement on my bottle is aged at least one day in oak). Came back to this about a week after opening and I do not like. The delicious savory BBQ are gone and young whiskey notes are dominate. Tried opening the whiskey with water and it emphasizes the sweetness on the nose and dulled the sharp edges on the palette but did not bring the savory deliciousness back. I am sad as it was so good when first opened.

Like it’s younger sibling lots of dusty grain. Fuller bodied than its sibling. Much more interesting and a good sipper.

Lots of dusty grain on the nose. Heat on the finish. An inordinate amount of heat for the Proof.

Bananas on the nose. OMG bananas. The palette is sweet, clean, and quick. If you are going to drown it in mixer have at it. Be careful though, mixing too strong can ruin the drink by letting too much of the spirit come through.

Lots of dried fruit. A bit heavy on the pallet and mouth feel. After one very enjoyable glass I was done. A special occasion dram.

Vanilla. Grain dusty. Some spice from the Proof and rye. All in all, respectable at the price.

Enjoyable. The sherry influence is noticeable but not overpowering.

Significantly better than I remember. This bottle has been open for awhile so not sure if it is the hooch or if it is me. Not spicy but definitely bold flavor. Very enjoyable.

Nose is sweet but not terribly interesting. Pallet is a little sweet but otherwise flat. The finish has an odd note I cannot place. Serviceable as a mixer. Not interesting enough to drink on its own.

This has become my go to mixer and can still serve as a sipper. Dusty, hot, and barrel on the palette. Recognizable as Jim Beam but a distant cousin to white label.