Tastes

Nose: Sweet - creme brûlée. Really stands out from other 100 proofs. No alcohol hits at all. Palate: as with the nose - sweet. Not a lot of complex favors. The burn is what you would expect for a BiB, but at the same time has a smoothness of an 80 proof. Mouthfeel ot thin, but also doesn’t coat the tongue and mouth like I like. Finish: slight burn that lingers for a bit. Very dry finish. I think it needs a cube of ice or at least a few drops of water. Overall: after reading several articles, watching videos, and listening to podcasts about this pour I think I had some unrealistic expectations for it to meet. I’m interested in revisiting blind in a few weeks with a few higher priced bourbons and seeing if I can tell the difference. For $16 it is a must for any home bar, but not quite sure it would be my daily drinker either.

Nose: leather and cigar. Smells like a bourbon was meant to smell. Palate: I’m getting cherry and vanilla initially. Quite a burn for a 100 proof. Finish: short finish. Not a lot to say about it other than that. Saw someone compare the finish to furniture polish (in a good way) and didn’t understand. After tasting I totally get it. Hard to explain, but that is exactly the best way to describe this bourbon. Overall: An average bourbon initially. I’m interested in seeing how time and possibly a little water or a cube of ice will bring out the flavor. Will revisit soon.

Nose: Brown sugar. Duh. Smells just like a bag of brown sugar freshly opened. Palate: Sweet. Very sweet. As name suggests, it tastes like brown sugar. Mouthfeel is very thin. Finish: small burn. Overly sweet. Not my thing. Would be great in a maple bourbon type cocktail, but not a fan as a stand-alone.

Nose: red hots is the predominant smell. Oak. Faint alcohol smell which is expected for something around 130 proof. Palate: Heat! Lot of spices, but hard to pick out a predominant one. Definitely can taste the oak char. Mouthfeel is thinner than I would have thought. Finish: More heat! Burns all the way down, but in a good way that only a bourbon drinker could appreciate. This isn’t some fancy craft bourbon - this is the real deal and will put hair on your chest. Overall, I really like it, but it will me saved for those really tough days that need a very stiff drink to get over.

Nose: pleasant. Caramel and vanilla Palate: very mild mild tasting rye. Honestly, not a ton of flavor. Light hints of vanilla and oak. Finish - a bit of a slow burn. Wood is dominant flavor. Seems to initially finish quickly, but that is when this whiskey really begins to shine. Those earlier flavors that were barely noticeable, suddenly jump put at you. Overall - this whiskey was underwhelming at first and then BOOM - all the flavors hit you at once. Really a surprising pour.

Nose: vanilla and banana comes through very strong. Slight hint of cinnamon. Palate: mild which one would expect with an 80 proof. Taste follows the nose bit is dominated with woody taste in the forefront Finish: smooth. No burn. Cinnamon dominates the finish. Overall: very mild. I know the backstory on Templeton basically creating their legend and adding flavors so that is a huge strike against them, but it’s basically a very good tasting, mellow rye that those who are not whisky snobs would enjoy. I personally like a more forward whiskey, but will probably keep this in my bar for individuals dipping their toes into the water.

Nose: toasted marshmallow. Slight oak smell, but basically a perfectly roasted marshmallow straight from the fire. Palate: peppery (not spicy). Definitely can taste the oak with hints of honey. Simple, but flavorful. Finish: mild finish - very smooth. No alcohol burn - just a warm fuzzy feeling all over. There is no one thing outstanding, but the all the parts combined makes this I damn good bourbon. Overall: Unlike many bourbons, Eagle Rare lives up to the hype. Would make a great gift of appreciation for a co-worker.

Nose: unusually sweet with hints of fresh leather Palate: simple. Vanilla is the overwhelming flavor, but caramel comes through in later sips. Very thin mouthfeel. Finish: a bit harsher than one would expect. Oak definitely stands out in thr finish. Overall - a decent pour but I’m probably less of a fan than most.

Nose: reminded me of nut maple goodies sold warm at Sears candy counters back in the day. That alone instantly intrigued me. Palate: toasted nuts - heat from the start. Coats the tongue well. Finish: long. Actually probably the best part of this whiskey. Fruit flavors magically appear (apricot?). Note: tried it a few days later with a ice ball. Really opened it up. I’m usually a neat man (especially in winter’s months), but I believe this is best enjoyed with at minimum a few drops of water.

Nose: pleasant - not to harsh. Smells of brown sugar and cinnamon dominate. Palate: immediately you can tell this is some high octane juice. Burns the tongue in touch, but not necessarily in a bad way. This is a man’s man bourbon - not for those looking for a mellow sweet drink. Finish: it’s going to hang with you for awhile. Please tell burn all the way down. Hints of cinnamon red hot candy stays linger around. Overall: deserves a place in any bourbon collection. My opinion is it would best be served on the rocks unless it’s a cool fall/winter evening and it will warm you up fast. It will never be a daily drinker for me, but I can see me craving it on a bone chilling windy day.