Tastes

Rich, oiliy, smooth, a bit of spice. Overall, its excellent bourbon, but if rated against the price i dont know if id say its worth it. Certainly dont regret the purchase (always wanted to try it) but i dont know if id line up to buy it again.

Very good, but a bit more tame than I expected. Still definitely not for the light of heart when it comes to peated whisky, but it’s not the monster I had expected. First impressions are good, but I’m not blown away. It is remarkably light and drinkable for 60% ABV. I can feel the heat in the back of my throat, but there’s zero burn in the nose and initial palate. Overall, I like it and don’t regret buying the bottle, but it is a bit different than expected. Looking forward to the next glass on another night!

It’s good and a bit interesting. Rich at first, spicy at the finish. I got it at a bar which served it in a bad glass so the nose is hard to comment on, but overall it’s enjoyable enough.

I’ve heard of the Sam Houston and didn’t hesitate when I saw the 15 on the shelf. I’ve had three small pours in a glencairn neat or with a drop of water. This is the CA batch 2 and was a complete delight Nose notes are heavy cherry and oak. The nose alone screams that this is a quality bourbon with a perfect proof and a lot of attention to detail. Does have a rich smell that smells softer than expected of 103proof - no alcohol burn in the nose, but a lot of very full and rich flavors. Taste - cherry and dark chocolate on sips 1,2,&3. Great taste and mouth feel with a lot going on, but… nothing that wild for bourbon. This tastes like an excellent bourbon with a lot of the expected notes hit and hit well. If I have one issue with the mouthfeel it’s that it doesn’t last as long as I would like. I love a whiskey that lingers and evolves in my mouth, this doesn’t do that. What’s there is great, but doesn’t last that long. The proof is once again perfect here… no need for ice or water - unless you want a drop to open things open, but I didn’t notice that much more when I did (got some more spice and initial alcohol on the nose and taste). Overall, it’s great. But damn difficult to find and hardly cheap when you do so. I paid 120 and am a-okay with that (hell if it were still available near me for that price I’d buy another bottle). To me, it was a bucket list bourbon as a native of Houston Texas and I’m happy to have tried it. It stood up to my expectations but didn’t blow me away either. If you see it for 120-150, I’d recommend it.

Tried it years ago and enjoyed it, but wasn’t blown away. Bought a bottle again as it was the first time I’ve seen it in years and it’s stunning. Sooo much more nuanced and subtle (in nose and taste) than I remembered. Amazing stuff.

Was truly surprised with this bottle - much much better than I expected. Full and rich flavor (more so than I expected for a 90proof). I enjoyed the nose, taste, and finish. Works great neat with maybe a drop of water to open up the nose even more. It didn’t hold up well to some ice though - so if that’s your preferred way to drink, this may not do much for you.

A much richer and fuller flavor than most Japanese whisky, though some of the delicate notes are harder to find as a result. Regardless, this is damn good whisky and probably my favorite that I’ve tried from Japan.