Tastes

Pours a beautiful amber and produces multiple slow running legs in a standard Glencairn. On yhe nose there is dark fruit and baking spice with a hint of graham crackers. On the palate the rye pepper comes through, but doesn’t overpower the fruit and sweetness from the nose. This is a very nice sipping rye.

On the nose the vanilla is obvious. Otherwise it is just typical Beam bourbon. On the palate, the vanilla is overwhelmed by the cinnamon. Suntory claims both the vanilla and cinnamon are natural byproducts of the second barreling. It my be true with the vanilla, but it’s hard to believe the cinnamon is “natural“. This drinks like Fireball with a bit of added vanilla. It isn’t unpleasant, but a bit disappointing with all the hype. Fireball drinkers will probably like this one, other than the $11.00 price difference.

Bought a 50 ml for $4.99 at VA ABC. Glad I didn’t have to suffer through more of this. On the nose there is young whisky with just a hint of Port. Those notes carry through to the palate. There are faint hints of Port, but totally overshadowed by the immature ethanol burn that exceeds the 92 proof point.

It doesn’t meet the requirements to be called “bourbon”. It is a stretch to even call it “whiskey”. Against my better judgement, I decided to try an ice cube to “enhance” the flavor. All it did was amplify the medicinal, chemical notes. My only positive is I purchased a 375 ml at $6.79, but I may end up pouring some of it down the drain.

Poured in a Glencairn and allowed to open up before tasting. Strong ethanol on the nose that mellows with hints of dark red cherry, vanilla and caramel as it opens up. The ethanol hits the palate first, but is quickly mellowed somewhat by the caramel, vanilla and dried fruit. Long finish with dark cherry and vanilla notes to go along woth the heat. Make no mistake this is not a shooter. It drinks hot, but not 62.5% hot. And the heat is nicely balanced with the aforementioned flavors, making this a pleasant neat sipper.

Therevis an unexpected sweetnes on the nose, almost candy-like but with s hint of ethanol. On the palate the sweetnes is nicely blended with typicsl OGD dpice from the high rye mashbill. There is an unmistakable alcohol burn, but far less than one would expect with 57% ABV. I believe this will take a permanent spot on my liquor shelf, right beside OGD BiB.

Bought this on Closeout (half price) becsuse I really like Speyburn 10. I am glad I didn’t pay full price. This has the smoothness of the 10 year, but with a bit more alcohol heat (46% vs. 40%). A pleasant enough dram, but not a replacement for the 10 year.