Tastes

Off the nose, this is a rich spicy bourbon with a good bit of hit and a distinctly ethanol smell which betrays the actual feel of the bourbon itself. In terms of taste and mouth-feel, however, it is quite smooth. There is a very noticeable rye spice and a distinct oakiness which is only to be expected from a blend of older ryed bourbons and it’s quite pleasant when paired with the vanilla sweetness as well as subtle apple flavor from the Calvados cask finish. I am not a rye guy by any means and typically don’t lean towards high-bourbons but this is truly a stand-out. Worth a buy before it’s gone.

As others have said, this Bourbon is a “vanilla bomb”, a descriptor which comes both from the intense vanilla sweetness and the searing heat of the spirit. At 137 proof, this is by far the hottest bourbon I have had the pleasure of trying. Despite this heat, however, it is surprisingly smooth at first sip and has a nice velvety creaminess in texture. You get taken on a journey of the hallmark flavors present in Bourbon such as the aforementioned vanilla as well as caramel and honey while there is subtle yet distinct oakiness that lingers throughout. All of the flavors collide as the heat rises, which culminates in that “bomb” quality which is, admittedly, quite intense and may be too daunting for the inexperienced drinker. Overall it is a mighty fine bourbon and is worthy of its namesake as an powerhouse of the Buffalo Trace lineage and the bourbon industry as a whole.