Tastes

About to finish this bottle and I am so sorry to see it go. It might be my favorite bourbon in my collection. Truly outstanding.

The first time I tasted this bottle (neck pour) I thought it tasted like motor oil. However, after a little time on the shelf, it has become one of my favorite bottles. Roubust flavors of Vanilla and Clove. Still a little oily, but that is now part of the character. I absolutely love it. I bought a backup for me and a bottle for a close friend.

Okay, tasting for a 2nd time after sitting on the shelf for a month or so. I like it. It does have a burn, but not as bad as when first opened. It's very sweet, like brown sugar. Some peanut, coffee, and some woodiness. The longer you swish it in your mouth the hotter it gets, but it's pleasant.

Wonderful flavors of peach, apricot and a hint mango. Some nice tannins from the wood as well. It's unique so I think it's worth the money.

I have to start by saying that this bottle is delicious. Really great woodiness from the wood staves and the high proof goes well with the sweetness. Surprisingly smooth for the high proof. Cherry vanilla on the palate turning into cinnamon on the finish with a touch of mocha wood.

It's better than the standard Knob Creek, but I'll take the 15 year old over this bottle any day. I guess it's just personal taste.

There is only 1 rye in my collection that tastes better than this, and it is an 18 year old that costs 2.5 times the price of this one.

Isn't this named Lessons Honored not Lessons Learned? Only tasted once so will update this next time I have some. On first taste it was a little too harsh for me, but will try again after it has sit on the shelf for a bit.