Tastes

Holy Awesomeness!!!

This was one of my first and long time favorite tastings of a bourbon finished in wine (or port) barrels. I would have given this expression 5 stars three years ago. I have not decided if a bottle I had from 2015 was simply better than the most recent offerings, or if the recent releases by Whistlepig (Cask Finish) and High West (Yippee Ki-Yay) have raised the bar — and the price for this subcategory. I still keep a bottle of Angel’s Envy on the shelf, as it remains a personal favorite.

Less smooth than regular Maker’s, and lacked the depth that many of the Private Select bottlings have offered. This is a good entry level cask strength offering to those exploring full proof offerings. It was good, but I would prefer a Private Select bottling, Bulleit Barrel Strength or Barrell Bourbon. I tried it.

This is one of the best high proof bourbons for the price. It has nice heat, and the flavors open with a dash of water. The finish is a little weak after the powerhouse front taste and flavor. Makes a fantastic Old Fashioned!

This bourbon tastes like bananas...B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Raw, sweet, pretty much a mixer. I thing the yeast in my batch must have been screwed up. For 99 cents I can get 3 lbs of bananas at the store and save the whiskey expense. One star for the bourbon, one for the banana flavor.