Tastes

__Edit__***increased the score after returning to the bottle a few nights later... What an incredible bottle*** I really enjoyed this pour, was very happy to get my hands on a bottle. It's really tough looking for a replacement for when my stag jr bottle runs dry but I think this could get me at least 80% of the way there. For this Barrel Proof with and AS of 12yrs to sell at $50-$60(if you can find it) this might just be the best value in the Barrel Proof segment I really liked the flavors presented with the neck pour and look forward to seeing how everything develops with some air in the bottle. First impressions: Wow, the smell packs a punch. You can sense every bit of the high proof here. Takes a bit to acclimate to the burn but once you do you're rewarded with a chocolatey toffee note almost like a candy bar. Behind this is some vanilla, faint leather and some char. The taste is very very good. A very rich, oily, and full tasting dram. On the palate this is almost a vanilla ice cream sundae. You get caramel sauce up front accompanied with the vanilla bean with hints of chocolate. This is a pour that has more flavor than I am able to taste on the first glass. After resting it for 30 or so minutes I get a lot of dark fruits moreso than I did initially. A dark juicy sugared plum, and some dark cherries also. I'm enjoying this flavor profile much more than the first time around... And I thought the initial flavors we're great. I'm thinking that this might just turn into one of my favorite barrel proof bottles.... Behind Stagg Jr of course (sue me) For this being the first batch of the year (A120) I'm really excited to see how it stacks up against the B520 and the C920 Bottles I like more: Stagg Jr Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof (review to come...) Bottles I like less/the same: Rare Breed (about the same- the profiles are so different that it's really tough to compare the two) Baker's 7 (nearly the same but lacks the punch the ECSbBP offers) Would I buy again: In a heartbeat - and the next iterations as well

Blew away my expectations, a new staple in my cabinet

Lots and lots of honey, other citrus and floral notes but it's a pleasant pour. A bit expensive, a good purchase if it's on sale.

This is an absolute BIN at MSRP (good luck) better than several other bottles on my shelf priced at 2-4x the HM10. Such a shame that it's hard to find because this bottle can do it all.

Looking at the rating for the other listed single barrel I had unrealistic expectations. This is a fine bourbon that offers little in the way of complexity. Great to have on hand for guests.

A nice complex drink with a lot to offer. Not a daily bottle but definitely something to keep on hand for nights where I want something out of the norm.

(Anniversary barreled date) This is very very close to a 4 but the spice flavor profile is a bit too prevalent to hit that ranking. This is something that I will likely get a backup bottle of.

Seemed like there's a lot of muted nuance which is a little frustrating. I had high hopes and this turned out to be only average.

Solid bourbon, nice cherry note. Easy drinker and has become the bottle I reach for when I don't know what to drink.

I have a 5yr store pick so technically this isn't a reliable review- regardless at 5 years this still feels like it wants more time to develop. The flavors are very good and it's enhanced by the fact that you can follow along Pinhook's journey.