Tastes

This took a few months to open up, but it finally has started to sing. Dark, leathered fruits, strong pepper and spice, rich, ginger bread like background. The nose is probably its best component, just fantastic. It does have a higher alcohol presence then many, especially up front and in the first few months of opening. Let this one breathe. Having said that, it is always a Rye. Spicy.

This is an easy to enjoy, BiB for me. I love the higher proof, the little extra oak, but the general sweet thick caramel here. It is a classic bourbon profile for my palate. That said, with time, the nut or peanut note build a lot. It might overwhelm some. Great value where I am.

A wonderful blend. Spicy, oaky, with so much going on. Deep cooked sugars also combined with cooked fruit, strong malt hints of coffee. Mmmm, it comes back full of baking spices and maybe a hint of char. This is so good, but bold. If you do not like oak spice, this is maybe not your dram.

Just a bottle pop, but this is starting well. Dry, woody, spicy, with good toasted toffee and vanilla. We will see how it evolves.

Port. Sure, there is some rye kicking around, but what I get each time I pour this, is an overwhelming nose and flavour of port or fortified wine. Fun, if that is what you are looking for, just don't expect Rye.

Lots of fruit on the nose and finish for me. In the palate it was good Jim Beam bourbon, with some heavier cooked sugars. I enjoyed this and appreciated how it would shift from nose, palate, to finish. If you like experiments or a little darker fruits with Bourbon, it is worth a try.

I may have a bad sample bottle, but this was not a good experience for me. Unremarkable nose followed by a watery, strong vanilla, light citrus palate. That would be ok, but this one also was a bit bitter. I'll try again.

Surprisingly rich nose with some good spice to try to balance the sweetness. I like the Rye here and appreciate the 46%. However, the colouring is far too much and sweetness has an artificial quality to it. A great mixer, not so good as a sipper.

Early tasting of this dram here. It is rich, sweet, some hints of darker fruit too. Not as cooked down as the 12, but fresh.