Tastes

"Rather than taking time to express tasting notes immediately, let me just say that this bourbon is a real sleeper; and has been since it first hit the shelves several years ago. Since I’m a big Buffalo Trace fan, I would hasten to say that this falls just slightly below BT. On the pallet, bit less sweet and complex, Big House hits you immediately with a full and dense mouthfeel of oak, leather, tobacco, spice and just the right balance of vanilla and smoke. The nose literally takes me to open fields of grass, and then into the woods, where a pastoral panorama makes you long for a countryside resplendent in wildflowers. (Sometimes I do the pallet before the nose.) A nice long finish makes one long for more. Giving new meaning to “bang for the buck”!! This is always in my stash, regardless of my love affair with high proofed bourbons. (Can you say Booker’s, Bakers, Knob Creek SB etc.?! Ah knew ya could....) Cheers!!!!" 11-20-21 Over three years since the above review. Couldn’t find Big House for the longest time. Then earlier last night I visited an obscure liquor store outside my stomping grounds, and low and behold I found a bottle!! No changes in my review. As good (or better) than I remember. And more of a sleeper than before. Too bad it never caught on. My gain, the world’s loss. 😉

What can I say? After decades of sippin’ da sour mash, this is STILL my go-to bourbon, all things being equal. Now...that’s not to insinuate that it’s my #1 choice or favorite. Unfiltered/uncut bourbons like Bookers or Bakers or Knob Creek SB, and even some hand picked Buffalo Trace barrels far exceed my 101 expectations. But really, WT101 has it’s own charm that is individual and consistently balanced enough to give it a wowness factor far more complex and satisfying than its cheap price would suggest. Will add tasting notes later. Time to sip!