Tastes

Poured neat. Nose gives thoughts of stale Honey Nut Cheerios. It's a little funky and heavy with corn dust and peanut fry oil. Caramel sweetness builds the longer it sits and opens up, and even more so after taking the first sip. Flavor leans towards black tea and pepper at first without much sweetness. There's a bold tobacco finish to follow. Some heat in the mid palette that tapers quickly, but lingers for a few moments after each drink. Towards the end of the glass the flavor transformed to a nougat/peanut candy bar, like a someone removed the chocolate from a Snickers bar. After all the hype, I wanted so badly to like this bourbon. It's worth a try if someone offers you a pour, but it just doesn't do it for me.

Poured neat. Nose is fantastic - butterscotch and birthday cake right out of the oven. Getting a subtle mint note and some mellow earthy vibes as well. Flavor is heavy on baking spice with honey, vanilla and black liquorice backing it up. Very clean, well rounded palate that's isn't overly offensive for 100 proof. I wasn't a fan of the standard Knob Creek so I was a little skeptical to give it a try but I'm glad I did. This is a huge improvement for a very small increase in price.

Poured neat. Coloring is between amber and bronze, somewhat light. Nose is a pleasant fruity mixture of sweet apple and tart cherry with a subtle vanilla backing. Mouth feel is a little on the watery side but that doesn't translate in any way to a lack of actual flavor. There is a well rounded balance of all the vanilla, caramel and baking spice notes that make this bourbon more savory on the palate. There is still sweetness to this bourbon, but more along the lines of honey than fruit. At 90 proof, Maker's is a great daily go-to, and what I would consider one of the quintessential mid-range bourbons that would appeal to a large range of bourbon drinkers.

Poured neat. Bright golden honey coloring. Nose comes off delicate and approachable, a blend of old oak, salted caramel and pear. Palate is not overly complex, but enough to allow you to peel back different layers with each sip. Caramel and vanilla to start, then cinnamon and black pepper on the finish with a hint of cherry mixed in between. At 90 proof this isn't overly punchy, while still providing a great value for it's price.

Poured neat. Deep golden coloring. Nose is sweet and spiced like a fresh coffee cake. Notes of fruit, I pick up on a mixture of apple and black cherry. Strong cinnamon and black pepper taste right off the bat. Instantly warms you from your cheeks all the way into your belly. Although the initial punch fades quickly, the sensation lingers, making the second sip much less dramatic, allowing you enjoy the flavors as they unravel. The pepper and spices don't back down, but a hint of butterscotch does begin to peak through on subsequent sips. Overall taste is very balanced, not overly complex but certainly not lacking. I find myself enjoying this bottle of Michter's a little more each time come back to it.

Poured neat. First notes remind me of homemade banana nut bread. The sweetness comes out right away, along with cinnamon and other baking spices. Taste doesn't stray far from those first impressions, but the higher proof brings more of the spices out on the finish. Slightly bitter with some smokiness as the flavors start to fade. This is a very enjoyable budget bottle.

I had seen it on the shelf but never felt the urge to try until my local store had it marked down from it's normal $20+. Poured neat. Color is an innocent shade of gold that you might expect from a lower proof bottle. Nose is pleasent and not overly boozey. Smell leans heavy towards peanuts with a subtle hint of red apple and a freshly opened package of brown sugar. Flavor is light and simple, borderline watered down. A non-offensive blend of sweet and bitter shows first, fading to an expected oak/smokiness reminiscent of the barrel is was aged in. There's a little spice on the backside that doesn't linger for long. All-in-all a versatile budget whiskey that would fit in well on any bar, but not likely to win over the top spot on your favorites list.

Poured neat. Nose is sweet and bready. Initial taste is burnt sugar and the finish is quick with a smokey and slightly nutty aftertaste. All around reasonable flavor so it's fine to sip on, but not as complex as I would like in a daily go-to. This bourbon has no shame being alone in the glass or mixed into your favorite cocktail.

Poured neat. Very faint on the nose with a hint of sweet tea and caramel chews. Taste is just as smooth, making me think of homemade buttery dinner rolls. There's a bit of pepper on the finish, but not in an overly punchy way. This is not a complex whiskey, but it doesn't need to be. It's enjoyable, its affordable, and it's not distracting.

Poured neat. Whiffs of black liquorice and vanilla right out of the bottle. After it airs out in the glass for a few minutes notes of brown sugar and black cherry become more dominate. Initially sweet on the tongue before it changes mood and delivers a slight bite. Finish reminds me of black tea and pepper. Mellows out to a modest, uncomplicated whiskey with couple drops of water or some ice. Not a bad whiskey for the price, but not going to be a daily drinker for me. Would definitely buy again if I decide to experiment with some cocktail recipes.