Tastes

On the nose, this reminds me a lot of Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel: loads of vanilla, caramel and some cherry. The whiskey arrives with a fair amount of heat (not surprising, given the proof) and cinnamon spice. This is pretty complex given the relatively young age (~5 yrs). The mid-palate is nice and chewy, with Vanilla Cherry Coke and a slightly bitter spearment to balance the sweet. The finish is long, with bitter dark chocolate lingering along with more cinnamon and nutmeg.

On the nose: sweet fruit smells, like a mix between raspberry and blueberry, along with caramel and a hint of vanilla. The arrival is all rich, juicy fruit flavors and some butterscotch. Things open up on the mid-palate with notes of vanilla, coconut, nutmeg and other spices joining the ripe fruit. The finish is suitably long given the proof, and there's some dry oak influence to go along with the spices.

On the nose: dark fruit (raisins?), cinnamon and vanilla. The arrival is syrupy and jammy, with the fruit stealing the show. The heat and spice make a strong entrance on the mid-palate, but given the proof this is a surprisingly smooth dram. The finish is long, with some bitter dark chocolate appearing with the cinnamon and some barrel char. A fantastic deal at $50

The high rye mash bill makes its presence known shortly after the fairly standard vanilla-heavy nose. The mid-palate is dominated by spearmint and baking spice, with a hint of cherry pie in the background. Some heat resonates on the finish, with the spearmint transforming to bitter orange peel and dark chocolate. A very solid bourbon for those looking to expand their taste beyond the basics.

Nose and arrival are dominated by vanilla and coconut. Mid-palate finds creamy caramel and butterscotch. Finish is long and strong, with bitter dark chocolate, oak spice and something like fig. Surprisingly smooth for the proof, this is an amazing value at $50 in Oregon (if you can find it).

Strong notes of vanilla and caramel on the nose and arrival. On the palate, menthol and astringent emerge; this is clearly a younger spirit. The finish is suitably long, with satisfying oak spice and the return of vanilla.

Remarkably complex. Strong vanilla on the nose, with red fruit and cinnamon. On the palate, toasted coconut joins the mix with apple pie and cherries. The finish is long and strong, with oak spice and fruit.