Tastes

I really enjoy this for what it is...solid bourbon. Has that nice Beam spice with a vanilla custard note and good oak. No its not complex or special but that's ok when you just want a good pour youre not gonna ponder over. I realize there are better cheaper options but I still come back to this in my rotation

Another wonderful peated scotch. This is a tick below the big Islays imo. That being said this still delivers lovely smoke and malt with some bread dough and oak. Finish is where it drops off. Doesn't last all night like most smokies and a little too dry. Im a fan though especially at closeout price of $36

Delicious scotch. This is one of only two distillers to use Golden Promise Barley. The other is Macallan. Fresh sweet bubble gum and malt blend with spice and gentle barrel notes to provide a very enjoyable experience. Finishes just a tad dry and doesn't have great depth of flavor preventing even higher score. Still easily recommend . Got it on closeout for $29!!!

Bought this bottle 8 months ago and waited to open till I completed moving as a reward. Has a lot of praise and top notch ratings to live up to. I really like high proof bourbons so really looking forward to this for long time. My bottle is 131.9 pf. Poured neat, thick glasscoat and legs. Nose is Buffalo Trace butterscotch,dark caramel, candy apple and leather with some dusty spice. Somewhat subdued with less than expected ethanol for proof. Thick mouthfeel leads heated delivery of flavor explosion. Rich caramel, butterscotch, spice, oak and black cherry assault the palate. Its hot and very intense but after a few sips you will adjust. Finish is into next week with caramel oak, spicy cinnamon and fading baking spice. Does not go bitter maintaining near perfect balance of sweetness and wood. Neat at this proof it hits like a sledgehammer yet still something worth experiencing. Drop or two of water releases maple syrup on the nose and singed graham cracker pie crust on the palate. There's even some dark chocolate covered orange sneaking in. You can add water to your preference and unlock flavors at will. High level of complexity and incredible value at around $50. Elite all star bourbon that needs to be savored if you can find it. Not for the meek, this is high test jet fuel for experienced drinkers. not an everyday pour but something you want to own if you are serious about bourbon

Finally was able to buy this. Wow the reviewers here nailed it. This bourbon is great. Poured neat, nose of dusty spice, vanilla custard, oaky cinnamon. Palate leads out 100pf strong with bold vanilla oak, more custard notes(graduated from play-dough I think) and smooth heat. The upgrade from the EW Black is very noticeable. There is even some floor wiping going on. Finish is long with oak, vanilla, cola, pepper and cinnamon. Overall for the money its fabulous!! Powerful flavor, strong yet smooth proof and unbeatable value. Plus if you want to mix with it its cheap enough and the flavor carries through with excellent presence(great with coke). This stuff makes buying anything else in the $15ish range a losing proposition

My friend picked this up(with my nudging) for our scotch session. Neat, noses thick full malt with light orchard fruit. Has a faint mossy note in back. Creamy rich malt on palate with some spice and light smoke. Lack of fruit notes as it is very malt focused. Nice finish with smokey malt and cinnamon oak lingering for a while. It is weighty, full bodied and really delivers the barley. Not a ton of flavors in play here but excellent presentation of what it has. Straightforward robust malt and strong value

Been meaning to try this for quite some time. Poured neat, nose is soft buttery malt, light apple and peach with some gentle smoke and wood. Pretty enticing for a blend. Soft mouthfeel brings palate of mild malt, honey, faint vanilla and fruit with semi-sweet chocolate, oak and a heavy dose of graininess. Its a little thin in flavor with the grain harshness but still has a roundness to it. Finishes with some slight bitter wood/chocolate notes and fading honey malt. There is a wispy smoke running through the background all the way. Overall it lacks depth but it has a soft subtle balance to it that enhances the experience. Not great but far from bad its a decent blend. Serviceable as a mixer(makes a good gunslinger) or straight up. Most likely would not repurchase as there are better blends for less or slightly more and affordable single malts crush it.