Tastes

Blind Test Nose: bright and fruity at first. Baking spice. Earthy oak. Very interesting complexity. Taste: caramel, sweet, fruity. Nice and warm, I’m guessing this is over 100 proof. Finish: long finish of cinnamon, baking spice, and caramel. Warms the entire palate. Overall: this is good stuff. Very interesting complexity as I work my way through the pour. That oaky warmth and cinnamon/baking spice is there all the way through. The sweet/caramel note is there as well, although not as evident as it was the very first sniff. If you like oaky/baking spice notes (which I do), you will like this a lot. After learning what I’ve been drinking, I have to say, this is a great value bourbon at something like $45. I believe Wheeler’s sources their bourbon, but then finishes it in their distillery in Nolensville, TN. Pick some up if you can find it. Score: 4.25/5

Nose: fruity, slight blueberry. Baking spice. Caramel. Earthy tones, but not unpleasant. Taste: all those flavors from the nose follow through. Very bright and warm. Reminds me of fresh basked blueberry pie. Finish: cinnamon and baking spice. Overall: very pleasant and interesting flavors that evolve over the course of the drink. It’s a bourbon you want to sit and focus on. The earthy notes are very unique; while I wouldn’t want that trait in all bourbons, it works here. Definitely recommend. Score: 4/5

Very light and fruity. Nothing bad here, but nothing to write home about. This might make a great entry-level bourbon for those who arent used to the typical bourbon profile. But for those who prefer a high-proof, full flavour bourbon experience, it leaves something to be desired.

Nose: citrus, mild baking spice, red fruit, mineral. Taste: very mild, slight mineral, oak. Finish: pepper and cinnamon, very short finish. Overall: Very run-of-the-mill. The mineral flavors are not the most pleasant. No strong flavors, short finish, and kind of boring drinking it neat. Not bad, but not very good either. Score: 2.5/5

Blind test: Maker’s Mark 46 Nose: sweet and fruity. Cherry maybe. Light hints of cinnamon and baking spice. Taste: oaky, leather, mild sweetness. Vanilla, pepper. Slightly hot, I would guess the proof is 100+. Finish: strong cinnamon, pepper, long finish. Overall: pretty solid and interestingly complex. I was very surprised to learn this is Makers Mark 46. On previous pours, I picked up on the smoky woody flavor way more than this time. Very interesting how the experience can change like that. Still very good, but for whatever reason I’m not picking up on as much complexity this time. Score: 3.5/5

Blind test: Michter’s Small Batch Nose: caramel, brown sugar Taste: caramel, brown sugar but not too sweet, pepper, oak, vanilla. Doesn’t taste/feel high proof. Finish: rather long finish with that brown sugar sweetness, black pepper, plus cinnamon. Overall: some very interesting flavors here. The oak, brown sugar, pepper, and vanilla is an interesting combination. I can’t say I love it, but it is certainly not bad. Score: 3.25/5

Blind test Buffalo Trace Barrel Select Nose: fruity, caramel, Taste: sweet, fruity, caramel. Flavors aren’t strong but they are pleasant. Tastes low proof. If whatever this is was higher proof it could be great. Finish: the caramel/fruitiness is still there, plus some cinnamon. Overall: very pleasant and easy to sip. The caramel/fruity not lingers throughout. Very little complexity or evolution as the drink continues, which is likely due to a lower proof point. Whatever this is, if it was higher proof I might love it. Score: 3.5/5

Nose: sweet and fruity, light baking spice, vanilla Taste: sweet, hints of baking spice and cinnamon, vanilla, warm. Decent evolution over the course of the drink. Finish: cinnamon, baking spice, decently long finish Overall: 3.5/5

Jim Beam Double Oak Blind Test Nose: oak, light vanilla, nothing bad, but no strong aromas. Taste: Similar to the nose. Nothing all that remarkable, light oak, vanilla, pepper. Doesn’t really evolve over the course of the drink. Doesn’t seem to be high proof. Finish: pepper, cinnamon, fades quickly Overall: 2.75/5 Nothing bad here, just nothing interesting. The primary flavor is of course the oak, which make sense. Works as a supper, but probably better as a mixer.

Nose: light vanilla, ethanol, leather, oak Taste: smooth, vanilla, cinnamon, slight apple pie, the proof is there but not overwhelming. The flavor evolves over the course of the drink. Finish: Cinnamon, fairly long finish Overall: 3.5/5