Tastes

I’ll start off by saying I paid retail for this, $100. I agree with a previous comment that it would be nice if this was a higher proof, but this is a really smooth 100 proof bourbon. I normally don’t like the first pour from a freshly opened bottle, but this one shocked me. A great balance of the oak and sweet tones. I pick up a hint of spice, but still a good balance. I would buy this again but only at retail.

I’ve compared this side by side with the 2018 and personally, I think this is better. Caramel for days, raisins, butter, and a long finish. Others will disagree but I think this is tops for me! Merry Christmas to all!

I picked up a barrel pick for the Triad Municipal ABC board (NC) about a month ago. Tried it neat and it was hot. The ethanol and spice flushed out any other flavors. Tried it a few more times and got the same experience. Tried it with a little water and it did cut the spice but the other traditional bourbon flavors are still masked by the spice. I’m a huge fan of barrel proof / high proof bourbons, but this doesn’t hold a candle to Blanton’s SFTB, Woodford Batch Proof or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Weller 107. Do not agree at all with the 95 score this has, but to each his own. I’ll save this for nights when I cheat on keto and decide to drink an old fashion.

Sweet nose and very smooth on the palate. A little flat but a very good drink.