Tastes

First pour. This one is substantially better on a big rock vs neat. The Kirkland BiB (3.75/5) is much bigger, bolder, and spicier than the Kirkland Small Batch (3.5/5) despite the minor difference in proof (100 vs 92). Notes: almond croissant | just a pop of vanilla | dark fruit | toasted marshmallow sweetness | honey (but darker honey bordering on maple syrup) | molasses / pecan pie / syrupy | it's pretty hot [in a positive "kentucky hug" sense of the word] | light leather, wet tobacco, sweet at the end. I think that this would work well in many cocktails that traditionally call for a rye, and also as a manhattan. I still enjoyed drinking it straight, especially for the value, and will try it straight a few more times at least. If you want something that's light and soft snd sweet with traditional caramel and vanilla bourbon notes, the Kirkland Small Batch would be a better choice. Note: As of this review, the Kirkland Single Barrel for 2024 has not yet been released.