Tastes

Batch #60 60.3% ABV Deep amber color. Robust nose with burnt caramel, cocoa nibs, freshly ground coffee, and floral notes of rose and honeysuckle. One of the most luscious, creamy mouthfeels I've experienced. Palate is intense, with an initial hit of oaky tannins that leads into cinnamon and cloves, with chocolate and honeysuckle notes. Finish is a long and warm continuation of the palate, with spicy oak, cinnamon and cloves, a hint of sweetness and a light floral component.

Honey color. Tried neat after resting a few minutes: Nose is light and fruity, with a little oak and a light earthiness. On the palate, I get a surprising peppery spice, and a bread-like taste similar to a rye, with very mild peat smoke. The earthiness continues to the palate from the nose, but not the fruit. Finish is fairly short and dry, and continues the peppered bread qualities. Mouthfeel is watery and a little harsh, making me think young. Not a bad dram, but not one I would seek out.

Batch 18I18 Nose is softly fragrant of rye spice and freshly baked sugar cookies, with a floral element of honeysuckle. Rye spice and anise dominate the palate, which to me create an unpleasant herbal medicine taste. Mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with just a little alcohol burn. Finish is long and warm, but dominated by the herbal/anise quality. I don't get much sweetness on this except on the nose. The anise taste puts me off sipping this neat, but it works well as a mixer.

Nose is subtle but complex, with fresh apples, oak, leather, vanilla and tobacco, as well as hints of marzipan and stone fruits like cherries and apricots or plums. Palate is just as complex but not as sweet, with vanilla and charred oak, and an interesting fruity, "yeasty" flavor that reminds me of beer. Some baking spices, cinnamon and allspice, come through as well. Finish is long and clean, dominated primarily by the oak with some baking spices.

Let it sit and breathe for a few minutes and this bourbon is amazing. Nose is sweet, heavy vanilla, burnt sugar and oak. Rich and creamy mouth feel, intense and spicy. Palate not as sweet as the nose. Spicy oak comes to the front, pepper first, then vanilla and caramel, with cinnamon and a hint of cherry syrup. Finish is long and vibrant. The explosion of flavor lingers on the palate, and this bourbon doesn't let you forget it's high proof. At first taste, I did not think this batch matched batch B518. On second taste, I think it is at least as good, maybe slightly better. Slightly different profile, with a little less sweetness and more spice, but a damn good dram.

Batch B1/17 Oh yes, this is good. Nose is an explosion of honey, vanilla, butterscotch and cinnamon apples. Mouth feel is luxuriously soft and creamy. Palate is more cinnamon with brown sugar, toffee and spicy oak. Finish is long and warm, with some mouth-numbing pepper and just enough alcohol burn to make sure you remember this baby is cask strength. Dangerously leaves you wanting more.

Barrel 17-0669 Rickhouse D Floor 6 2 1 Gordon’s private barrel store pick Bottled May 2018 Color is deep amber. Nose is fairly weak but complex, with faint vanilla, caramel, bubble gum and cinnamon apple pie. Velvety mouth feel. Palate is well balanced, with cinnamon and clove with hints of vanilla. Finish also a bit weak, lingering oak with subtle spice but without much character or depth. Some alcohol burn in the mouth, but not much of a hug. I do like this one as a daily sipper, but disappointing for the price and reputation.

Massive cinnamon and vanilla bomb on the nose. Vanilla continues on the palate with a large dose of charred oak. Cinnamon and baking spices return on the finish, as well as a touch of honey and a soft, minty freshness. Finish is fairly short, but leaves you with a warm hug. This has become my nightly sipper, and there is very little at this price point that competes.

Nose is honey, vanilla, char and alcohol. Palate is cinnamon and vanilla with a hint of smoke and a lot of oak. Alcohol burn up front followed by a long, warm hug. A bit too much emphasis on the alcohol for me keeps it below 4 stars. Looking forward to trying the small batch.