Tastes

I’m excited to try this as it is constantly recommended as a wonderful whiskey. I’ve been drinking bourbon for years but have been interested in branching out to Irish Whiskies for some time. This is my first foray. Nose had plenty of oranges, oak, clove and some honey. It’s gentle and inviting. First sip explodes with orange and citrus flavor. It’s unbelievably smooth and has a nice little butter on the back end. There’s something a little earthy in a pleasant way, maybe some leather. Despite a very light color, the mouthfeel is unexpectedly full and covering. This is an incredibly enjoyable expression. The flavor lasts just long enough to resemble orange marmalade on the tongue but not so long as to overwhelm. Coming from the bourbon world, I expected more wood flavor from a 12 year. The finishing in the sherry cask has definitely softened and sweetened this drink. This most definitely lives up to the hype.

Nose is woody, a young oak, with drops of caramel and vanilla. First sip bursts oak, chocolate, and peanuts. There is a slight welcoming burn and a light to medium mouthfeel. The flavor of the peanut and chocolate linger longer than expected. A drop of water opens and mellows the flavor, brining more peanuts and vanilla. A solid one time single barrel offering from a local distillery.

The nose smells strong of ethanol. There is a hint of green apples, oak, and almonds. First sip tastes of caramel, sweet honey, and cherries. For 100 proof, it is stronger than I’d expect. The mouth feel is full and the burn is there, though short lived. It’s a really good bottle, which is good because it’s allocated and difficult to obtain. Solid drink.

Excited to try this. Obviously Blantons is divisive in the bourbon community. Some love it and chase it. Some hate it just because. Nose is strong with cherry and apple. Typical of a Buffalo trace product. Behind is vanilla, oak, and caramel. A delicious smell. First sip impression is smooth. Little bite. I get sweet cherries, a bit of vanilla, some honey and a bit of oak. The aftertaste is light. No burn going down, which would be nice to add some complexity. It has a thicker mouthfeel, coating the tongue. But there is no lingering flavor. To be frank, this is a good bourbon. It isn’t great. It isn’t worth chasing. It’s reputation is better than its bite. A bit more proof with a longer aftertaste would do well to make this more worthwhile. Overall, I won’t chase this. There are better offerings at the price point for sure, and better offerings by Buffalo Trace, cheaper (see Eagle Rare).

Nose is caramel, citrus (lime?), a bit of oak, and some vanilla. First sip is smooth with a slight, warming burn on the back end. Sugar, candy, and some fruity notes highlighted followed a short to medium finish. There’s a small funk I can’t place, maybe it’s a higher rye content, that is making the aftertaste less enjoyable. For $20 it’s not bad, but Wild Turkey 101 beats this 10/10 times.

129.7 proof, Rickhouse 6, Barrel 20-06492. First off, the bottle is gorgeous. I’m thinking of using it for my new infinity bottle. The pour comes out dark, almost amber. On the nose, I get the toasted bananas Jack is well known for, but there’s some caramel, a little mint, some oak, and maybe some honey? The ethanol is definitely there too. Wow. First sip is hot and rich and spicy. Bananas foster or banana split with a slight burn on the lips and down the throat. There is a dry aftertaste that lingers but is overtaken by something reminiscent of a bite from a chocolate sundae. This drink packs a punch, which is expected with the high proof, but it fits well with the dessert theme. I absolutely love this. I wanted to like it so bad and had to search around a bit for it. I truly can’t believe it’s a Jack Daniels. It drinks heavy and strong but delicious. A wonderful addition to any collection and amazingly worth the price. Pick it up if you can find it.

A thick, viscous pour with a deep, rich, almost red color. On the nose I get chocolate, light fruit, and a hint of agave. Wow. First sip gives peanuts in the shell combined with milk chocolate and of course rye. A light burn down the throat but it doesn’t linger too long. A few drops of water opens up the dram, bringing out the char from the barrel adding a buttery toasted peanut flavor without losing the sweetness of the chocolate. It is definitely reminiscent of a Snickers Bar. The burn dissipates with water, but isn’t really missed with this sweet treat. The drink covers the mouth and the flavor is rich. A solid pour from a local distillery.

Nose has butterscotch, citrus, leather and a hint of oak. First sip is fire on the lips with oak, vanilla and maybe a drop of lime. Bright with a lovely lasting burn down the throat. A good mouth feel coating provides an experience of a bottle worth twice as much. This is an unexpected joy. I’ve been looking for a cheap daily sipper. This is it. For $22, I’ve not had better. Better than EW Bib, HH green label, VOB 100 and any other I’ve tried. Buy this.

Binnys store pick. This bottle has a strong nose of oak, caramel, leather, and vanilla. A bold nose. Smooth start to finish. Mouth feel is full. Oaky, vanilla and licorice. Not a lot of complexity and the finish is light. To be frank, I’m disappointed by the lack of complexity, especially braise it is a store pick. As a wheater, there is little heat and no burn, which is fine, but I’m left wanting a little bit more.

Leather and oak on the nose. First sip is astringent but with a nice oaky, leather and small tobacco finish. Flavor expands on the palette into big wood while the burn falls off. Good drink. Not my favorite at this price, proof, or age, but there’s a lot worse out there.