Tastes

In regards to flavor, texture, and finish I think that this bottling is an EASY 4 star or even 4.25. My conflict comes in regards to the 80$ price tag, but it also punches well above its' price tag compared to other scotches. Taste, flavor and texture earn an easy 4.25 stars. With plent of sweet fruitiness and campfire flavors, there is a pleasant but mild burn (more likely due to the proof than a true 'spice' burn), and the texture is, while not oily, somewhat slick and smooth. If you're a fan of somewhat light and bright, yet full and rich, fruity noted whiskey, then this may be worth seeking out!

I must admit, the first pour I had of this whiskey felt dissatisfying after reading all the hype. So, I let it sat on my shelf for a few weeks before returning for a second taste. Whether it be the oxidation, or a change in my taste buds, the second pour and every pour since then has been nothing less than perfection! So let's dive into the flavors. This whiskey displays strong qualities of oiliness and creaminess; a far cry from thin or even regular mouth feeling whiskies. It cascades across your palette, submerging the tastebuds in sweet, rich flavor. While it may not be the boldest whiskey, it is a DANGEROUSLY smooth and easy sipper. Despite lacking some boldness, it does carry enough of a kick to remind you that you're drinking whiskey. Not spicy per say, but perhaps one may say very mild spicy notes which simply serve to create a fully balancd flavor. If your first try was disappointing, give it time to oxidize! I have fallen hopelessly in love with this whiskey, and it literally just became accessible only by "lottery" in Virginia via the VABC. I was lucky to score some when I did! This is a must have if you like oily, creamy and sweetly rich whiskey!

I sense a whole lot of fruity flavors, with pretty minimal rich, vanilla, butterscotch type flavors. If you're into clean and sharp, fruity orientated whiskeys then this would be an excellent option. But if you're after rich, full bodied flavor and creamy mouth feels, this simply isn't the best option. I'm rating 3.5 simply because it isn't a bad bourbon, the flavor isn't 'bad', it's just not what I seek in a whiskey. A bit thin on the mouth feel as well. Looks pretty on my shelf, but not so sure how often I'll grab a pour of it.

I can't help but to be strongly reminded of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof when I tried this, it is very similar in profile and 20$ cheaper! Without a drop or two of water it does pack a bit much heat for me, but the slightest bit of water tames it down into an extremely rich, pleasantly full bodied and sweet flavor. While it may not be extremely oily, it is also far from being thin! A must have if you enjoy Elijah and Stagg Jr!

Just enough spice to balance out the incredibly rich, luscious and sweet flavor of this whiskey. Needs just a couple drops of water to open it up some. One of the best bourbons I've ever had, second only to maybe Stagg Jr BP

It is pleasantly sweet with just enough spice to balance it out and not let it be nothing but sweetness, so to speak. Less flavors of vanilla and more flavors of chocolate and fruits. I'm someone who doesn't like heavy spice, and even at the high proof it is I can drink this straight without water. Literally only a couple drops of water if I do add any, this does open up the chocolate sweetness more. This bourbon is in my opinion superior to Blanton SB. If you can find It, BUY IT!

In my opinion, this bourbon is superior to Blanton Single Barrel. As a person generally off-put by heavy spice, this bourbon only has enough to balance out the deliciously creamy and sweet flavors. If it is too strong, try a few drops of water but not too much. As of the collection I've gathered over 2 years now, this is easily the BEST, most incredibly well balanced, full bodied and rich bourbon I have ever had. Makes me want to buy every bottle I can find for those down times between releases, haha. My batch is C419

A big time butterscotch taste, and also has fruity sweet notes that blend perfectly well together with the butterscotch flavor. It's a very sweet and rich bourbon, with very little to zero bitter flavors even with no ice or water. Little to no spice. The nose of this whiskey is a bit off putting honestly, but the taste is so good that I can easily look over that single downside.

An extordinarly smooth bourbon. I'm someone who is generally off-put by spiciness, and this bourbon has very little to speak of. It has no bitterness even on the back of the tongue, and in the front it's primarily sweet vanilla type flavors. If it had a slightly creamier mouth fill and mouth coating affect, I'd rate 5 stars. It doesn't even need water or ice!