Tastes

I find myself once again at the alter of the Pig. Everything I have tried from WP has been fairly spectacular and I have been anxiously waiting to try this one. Nose is a bit spicy rye with an undertone of sweetness from the finishing barrels. First sip follows this same course. Rye pepper on the front giving way to an almost cherry sweetness followed by a mellow warm burn finish. A few sips in and the pepper bite softens a bit letting the fruit character come through stronger. Not sure it is my favorite WP to date, but another damn fine offering from the Pig!

Marketing works on this gem. The bottle and label just look like they belong on some wild west saloon bar. Took me awhile to land a bottle since that just seems to be how it goes with everything once it gets a little fanfare. Hoping this lives up to the hunt. Nose is mix of brown sugar and nuts. I dare say it smells a bit like a fresh baked cookie and who doesn't love a good cookie? Taking a sip and that nut flavor comes on strong washing over like a peanut butter flood. The finish takes an interesting turn. Call me crazy, but I get cinnamon apple pie on the moderate burn. This is a bit of a wild ride, but like a good roller coaster is one I want to ride over and over. Solid juice here that I will definitely search out again!

Some people hate "finished" whiskies. I understand from the purist standpoint point of view they are bastardized drams. Fortunately I am not a high and mighty purist so I enjoy the variety for what it is. This pour is finished in Cab Sav barrels which is a wine I quite enjoy so my hopes are moderately high. Let's dive in and see... The nose is interesting on this. Almost candied like strawberry licorice. The first sip has a little bite to it and the Cab finishing is definitely there with a strong raisin presence. A few sips in, the raisin takes a stronger spot on stage with a little brown sugar tossed in. The finish is a mild jamlike stroll to the sunset. I will be honest and say many people are going to hate this. It is not a straight forward whiskey. I think it is a nice departure from the mainstream.

Side by side with the Rye for this review. Nose is caramel and vanilla (creme brulee anyone), but hints of peanut as well so maybe we are talking snickers. First sip is light but brings more flavor than the Rye. Light cinnamon burn followed by a lingering caramel and peanut finish. I would choose this over the Rye I think based on a slightly better start, but the finish an both are quite similar and the highlights of each of pour.

First time with Michter's. Doing a head to head with the small batch bourbon. Let's start with the Rye. Nose reminds me of fresh baked bran muffins to be honest. First sip starts somewhat mild before the typical Rye pepper kicks in. The finish brings much more to the table than the start. Strong hints of banana bread and warm caramel. Not the best Rye at this price point, but a nice pour. Side by side with the bourbon I prefer the latter.

Well ECBP has become my torchbearer for quality whiskey that you can actually still find on shelves. At $60 it isn't too far up the cost chain to make it unreasonable if you drink in moderation so I consider it a gem. Have heard mixed reviews on this batch so here we go... Nose is very full bodied of molasses and caramel. This has not a hint of ethanol and begs to be tasted. First sip washes warm brown sugar across your tongue with hints of vanilla, caramel, and maybe a touch of peanuts. The burn is somewhat short considering this one comes in north of 136 proof, but the caramel lingers long after. Verdict here is that EC keeps producing a great dram with the BP offerings.

Picked this up at the recommendation of a local shopkeeper that said it was his go to bourbon. Nose is honey and brown sugar, but also a bit strong on ethanol factor. First sip definitely has a sharp initial bite to it mixed in with some strong corn and honey notes. Burn comes on medium in the finish, but mellows to a delightful caramel sunset. The sharp bite is a bit much for my liking, but the finish definitely brings this around to a decent pour.

Nose is nutty on this one as I often find at this price point. Taste is a bit flat to be honest and not very dynamic. The general whiskey profile is there, it just isn't very strong. A little vanilla, a hint of brown sugar, but nothing coming through very strong. Finish is a light pepper burn with a pleasant caramel close. An ok pour overall.

Initial aroma is very light nuttiness. First sip is light vanilla and brown sugar. The finish is almost absent entirely on this one. A small pepper burn and then gone. I know the earlier vintages were highly regarded, but this is almost like a watered down whiskey. Definitely disappointed given the high marks here on Distiller.

Well take me out to the ball game... that's my first thought with the peanutty nose here. More peanut and caramel on the tongue. Initial flavor fades to a bit of a harsh alcohol burn. An ok pour, but not one I will be going back to.