Tastes

Surprisingly drinkable for 57%, but the BiB has more flavor.

Barrel #3341 Bottled July 2021 103.3 proof This is the first bottle I've had from this distillery and I've instantly become a fan. Soft, warm spices take center stage, with an accompaniment of tobacco, charred oak, and brown sugar. Medium high viscosity. Only aged four years but I could've been fooled into believing twice that, very mature for its age. Relatively low ABV for a barrel proof but even more drinkable than 51.65% would suggest.

It's always better than I expect it to be. Fairly fruity and sweet, lacks punch at 40% but there's still plenty of nice flavors to be found. I prefer it considerably to comparably priced blends and I'd certainly consider buying again.

Bit of vulcanized rubber and barnyard stand out on the palate. Dark chocolate and citrus make an appearance as well. It's not unpleasant, but the chill filtering and 40% makes it feel like they've really diminished the product that it could and should be. Not a good value in my area.