Tastes

NOSE: Very unique to me. Lots of cornbread, but the smokiness makes it smell like BBQ sauce. There's a hint of vanilla there, but buried under the smoke. PALATE: A little sweeter than the nose got me expecting. Obviously still smoky, and the cornbread comes through. But also some brine, molasses. FINISH: A little burn, but a long finish that's less smoky than the nose or taste. It's still there, but getting more traditional bourbon flavors on the finish of vanilla and some caramel. The saltiness of the palate sticks around too. THOUGHTS: I found this a very unique bourbon, and really enjoyed mulling it over. It's not something I would want to drink regularly, but I'm glad I bought the bottle for when the mood strikes.

NOSE: Fig, pumpkin bread, brown sugar, but an unpleasant urethane smell underlying it. PALATE: Astringent mouthfeel, very slowly evolves to a slightly richer feel. Again fruit, more of a cinammon apple on the tongue. And vanilla and caramel. Straightforward but not unenjoyabe. FINISH; A little spice, but very short, and as it lingers a bit of a Listerine note. THOUGHTS: I saw that Jim Murray gave No 7 a surprinsingly high score, and thought I should really sit down with it instead of disparaging it as I tend to do. And you know? It's really not that bad. Yes, it's more suited to mixing than drinking neat, but I've sure had worse.

NOSE: cherry blossoms, wet seude, chocolate fudge, redwood, stone fruits like plums. For a 135.6 proof bourbon there is NO alcohol stinging the nose. It's like a delicious perfume counter in the glass. Wonderful nose. PALATE: chocolate carries through strongly, hint of citrus, salted caramel, toffee, complex and delicious. FINISH: strong on the cherry that was in the nose, extremely pleasant with no burn to speak of, late in the finish I get a very enjoyable spearmint coming through. It's its own after dinner mint. THOUGHTS: This is a great bourbon at any price. The fact that it can be had for around $50 (if you're lucky) makes it amazing. It noses and drinks like a 90 proof bourbon. Just great overall. 5 stars. EDIT- the above was based on the 9th release, the 135.6 proof. Release 10, 138.8 proof, was frankly disappointing. Much less vanilla, an unpleasant burn, and some bitterness in the finish. Tasted more like a so so version of Stagg Jr than Elijah Craig. 3 stars.

NOSE: candy corn, vanilla, slight woodiness but faint. Not overly complex to me but enjoyable. PALATE: very nice mouthfeel, simple, slight cinnamon, but not strong spice. Oatmeal raisin cookie overcooked. Slight smoke/tobacco. FINISH: medium to long, gentle burn, buttered toast, vanilla and fading spice. THOUGHTS: Really wish I could do 1/2 stars, because this deserves more than 3, but at $40-50 a bottle there are bourbons I like more. Still, it's very drinkable, and quite good. No regrets about buying and may buy again.

NOSE: Maple syrup, straw, faint hint of rosewater after adding a splash of water. PALATE: Lots of bite, cinnamon (but almost artificial, like a Red Hot), wheat bread, caramel. FINISH: Medium to long finish, all cinnamon and vanilla. THOUGHTS: Fairly harsh high rye, high proof. A challenge to drink and taste, really needs a splash (or more) of water to be drinkable. Don't regret buying it, not sure I'd buy again.

NOSE: Strong honeysuckle, citrus and toffee on the nose. PALATE: Pleasantly diffuse mouthfeel, but slightly astringent which is unexpected and didn't strike me at first. Lots of cinnamon and citrus on the tongue. FINISH: I find the finish pleasant and a little spicy. THOUGHTS: Really, really enjoyable at the price. Or just enjoyable regardless of price. The fact that it's affordable and readily available is an added bonus.