Tastes

If you are looking for a sub $20, low proof bourbon that you can drink neat, this is it. I’m a fan of barrel proof bourbons and often drink them neat; however, it’s nice to pour something a little softer now and then. This is full of flavor for the proof, and I’m going to start keeping it stocked at my home bar from now on. Nose: caramel, vanilla, cotton candy Taste: Carmel, vanilla, honey, mint, slight cinnamon. Finish: short, but a good lingering flavor

One of the joys of this bourbon is it’s complexity. It changes over time in the glass, and with each drink. I nosed this at first pour, after 15 min, and after 30min. I tasted it at 15min, 30min, and beyond. Nose: vanilla, butter cream, burnt sugar, green banana(sourIsh), and oak. After sitting in the glass, rich butterscotch. Taste: Vanilla, buttercream, allspice, seasoned oak, spicy cinnamon finish(red hots?). As it opened up over time- Apple/ apple crisp, butterscotch, and finally hints of mint. Finish: Short and fruiting with lingering tobacco and leather flavors. It leaves you wanting more. Overall, an excellent pour. I’m not sure it is worth the dollar unless you want to try or love older bourbons(me), or you are doing a vertical tasting with other Rhetoric offerings. However, if that is what you want, this is fantastic. I look forward to trying this bottle in the coming months and year(s).

Blanton’s is a classic, delicious bourbon. However, it can involve a bit of hunting to find, and is often overpriced. Even at its lowest $53 price it faces quite a few other options that are less expensive and as good or better. At $10 less E.H. Taylor Small Batch is as good or better at 100 proof. Nose: lots of vanilla and caramel, some apple with quick sniffs, and a hint of seasoned wood at the end. Palate: smooth creamy vanilla caramel taste with short cinnamon finish. I recommend it with the above caveats. I admit though, I’m a sucker for the history and packaging. I like to think that I’m rewarding good marketing🤷🏻‍♂️

This is a five star bourbon in the $20 range. Clearly, it’s he best wheated bourbon in that price range(for me). I wouldn’t pay more than that (other than to just try it for the sake of having a bottle.) There are so many other good, $20ish bourbons. I get cherries and vanilla in the nose, with a soft, sweet vanilla and caramel in the palate. The finish is short, dry, and dusty. A little thin.

It’s a smooth bourbon. I get cherries and vanilla in the nose, and a bit of the banana in the flavor. Not too much spice. It’s a pretty simple bourbon, but I could easily make this an everyday drinker for the money.

Everything you want from Wild Turkey: high proof, sweet but spicy, oak and vanilla nose, thick mouth feel. It’s great for the price.

Great description on this one. Definitely get the herb notes and the spice. It’s a solid pour neat or as a cocktail. Nothing particularly memorable, but good.