Tastes

Argonaut Wine and Liquor pick. Barrel 16-2335. 5yr 7mo, 117.61 proof. 100% malted barley. Rich sweet palate with notes of molasses and dried fruits. Reminds me of the Balcones single malt barrel proof I had a year ago. The finish is malty and more molasses sweetness with a passing subtle smoke on occasion. The proof is evident on the nose, palate, and finish but it's not overwhelming.

Batch #24. Aged 6yr 4mo. 111 proof. Just like the last Ryeconic batch I had this one hits all the right MGP 95/5 rye notes. Oak, vanilla, green apples, rye spice, and hints of dill.

Sweet dried fruit and a hint of oak on the nose. The palate is a rich mix of dried fruit, caramel, oak, with hints of vanilla and slight chocolate. The light sweet oak lingers on well after I've finished the sip. Some notes give a similarity to MM46. It's such a pleasant pour and was consistent throughout the entire bottle. Wish I had a backup.

Angel's Share pick: Pablo Escobear. DSP-KY-20005. 5 years, 921 yeast strain, 104.73 proof. This has been a ride starting out as very mint forward on fresh crack to more oak coming forward mid bottle finally transioning to a nice blend of mint, sweet vanilla, and oak by the end of the bottle.

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.