Tastes

After time, the oak char has settled more into the sweetness, almost like drinking an older 'dusty' bourbon and has made this enjoyable. Before opening up. it was so bitter, but it has improved dramatically. It took so long to open up too that I may give double-oaked and charred bourbons more time before reviewing. (Original review: I was excited about this release and thought it would upgrade the already good Bib & Tucker 6 year bourbon, but it nukes it. The nose and palate still contain the yummy cola/root beer notes that B & T excel at, but on the back palate and finish the oak and char announce their presence and it's bitter, hot, and spicy.)

Cinnamon and red-hots prevail in the palate here, and when you add Booker's high proof heat, it's just not my favorite combination. It is pleasantly sweet and balanced, but just not a personal preference.

This one took a few pours to settle down, but once it did it was a symphony of banana, honey, and tire-smoke peat. I want to blind this with Talisker 10, which is now at least $30 more.