Tastes

An excellent Rye expression with the familiar mint & spice one would expect from the 95% varieties. I find this is better than Ezra (lol), which is younger but perhaps not as good as High West Double Rye, which is older (all from MGP). This may be the gem though because it’s price is right. See also Dickel Rye

Here is another dram that, though I found for a steal compared to normal MSRP, I found quite underwhelming. I love Bourbon and I love good Brandy but sum of its parts left no real discerning character. It was not bad by any means but it became relegated to cocktails despite the guilt that came with knowing its price tag.

This was quite the underwhelming dram to me especially considering the price tag. I relegated it to cocktails and felt guilty doing so because of the cost. I would certainly not purchase this again and would be leery of other expressions from Jo. Mag.

Well it’s back! This is such a flavorful, character rich dram with an older age statement for such a good price. This will be a repeat performer in my cabinet.

Head & shoulders above regular Maker’s this expression is quite nice. As a neat pour or with some ice this offers a warming, cocoa infused, toasted oak dram with great body, sweetness and a touch of spice. Where I found this really shines is in cocktails like Boulevardier or Manhattan where a creamier Bourbon is preferred overpower, char & spice.

I won’t lie, I liked it of course but it was not in my top 5 WT elites. For my taste this only competes with some of their midrange expressions but with a heftier fee. The nose was dry with aromas of floral, aged oak and char. The palette was similar with oak leading the show. This was best as a neat pour as water/ice muddied the waters too much. I don’t regret the purchase, it was enjoyed, but I would not repeat unless 20-30 less in price.

What an absolute gem and such a shame to finish. Despite having the lower proof this dram stood up to Neat, few drops of water or even an ice chip. This had blended nose of clove, pepper, floral and leather but also vanilla/caramel. It had a round, creamy mouthfeel and flavors similar to aroma but add in baking spice and barrel spice. Finish is moderately long. Hate to see this one go.

This pour is both the most Scotch-like Bourbon I have found while also being likely my favorite low proof Bourbon.

Unremarkable

Not gonna lie, when finally trying this pour during a bar session I said “This nose is different” and a friend replied “That’s the nice way to say it”. There was a musty, corn aroma that carried into the flavor profile. It was soft & viscous, likely due to the wheat but this will not be a repeater for me.