Tastes

Similar to their wheated whiskey, this has a distinct malty farmlike element on the nose and palate. A hint of ethanol is present at the end, but doesn't overwhelm the nose. The palate is leads with a hint of sweet vanilla followed by rye spice and then finishes with the a roasty/malty note from the malted barley. Far from a stereotypical bourbon, but its a interesting pour.

Sweet classic bourbon notes on the nose, followed briefly by orange and then a hit of ethanol washes over. The palate has more classic bourbon notes of sweet vanilla and oak followed again by orange. A rich malty note finishes at the end that reminds me of some amber/brown ales. That malty note lingers for a bit with the oaky notes before everything fades from my palate. It's an enjoyable sip but at the same time leaves me craving something richer.

Aromas of fruit fading to toasted grains and nuts greet you. It's delicate and light on the nose with little to no ethanol burn allowing me to sit here sniffing away. The toasted cereal and nuts remain on the palate ending with a light pleasant spice note. Some sweet apple and citrus notes remain on my palate well after the sip is done. Otherwise, its very light, pleasant, and smooth the drink. On sale for $45, normally $52. For a bourbon drinker, this isn't something I'll reach for often, but it's a nice whiskey for St. Patrick's day.

Light and pleasant on the nose with hints for light oak and sweet fruits. The palate is more sweet fruit notes especially cherry mixed with a light floral potpourri. The finish is complex and sweet but brief. Overall a pleasant fruity sip throughout.

Argonaut Store Pick, Barrel #17f29.4f3, 105.6 proof, Age: 4 years Unlike other Fireside single barrels which featured heavy doses of rye spice, notes of the chocolate malted barley come through in this one. This bourbon reminds me of amber ale or English nut brown ale turned into a whiskey. The nose is malty with hints of baking chocolate and dark tea. The palate continues with the malty theme of chocolate and nuts finishing with some rye spice. Faint rye spice and chocolate liner on my palate. Throughout this drink I have to remind myself that this is a bourbon. The chocolate malt is strong enough to make me forget that. It's not a bad thing, just a unique twist on American bourbon. If you're expecting a fruity bourbon or one with stereotypical bourbon notes look elsewhere.

BWG Pick, Batch 27, 108.6 proof, 6yr 10 months. 95/5 MGP Rye juice. Sweet oaky nose with a hints of vanilla, rye, and green apple. Nice cinnamon, warm rye spice, oak, and sweetness on the palate. Originally light on the dill, as I worked my way through the bottle the dill notes grew. Now that flavor lingers after finish.

Total Wine pick, barrel 17291 new American oak. Aged 45+ months, 129.6 proof. Thick, syrupy, rich, and unique. The nose is syrup, molasses, and dark fruits. The palate is warming with more syrup, dark fruits, molasses, and oak. The molasses and rich dark fruit linger on my palate. Sometimes this reminded me more of a rum than a whiskey but regardless it was enjoyable. Balcones seems to be divisive among whiskey drinkers. This was my first bottle by them and it was unique but very enjoyable. I'll be looking to try more of their offerings in the future.

A really nice 12 year whiskey that's readily available. Oak and vanilla on the nose. The perfect mix of oak, vanilla, nuts, caramel, and some spicy pepper on the palate. The sweet oak remains long afterward. I'm torn between whether the 12-year standard or the 9-year SiB is my favorite. Regardless both are great for the money.

Very grainy wheat, reminds me of all the notes of a farm (minus the manure).

Delicate and light on the nose and the palate. Light sweet fruit on the nose. The palate reminds me of a rye version of a buffalo trace with hints of oak, spice, orange, vanilla, and another note that comes and goes that I can only describe as bubble gum. Light and soft on the mouth feel, not like the spicy rye bombs I'm used to enjoying. It finishes with the spicy sweet notes lingering lightly on my togue. A very simple and approachable entry into the rye world.