Tastes

I was a big fan of the bargain basement 6 year white label and the 7 year is a significant improvement. Is it worth several times as much for an extra year and a prettier bottle? I’d say so...it still blows away most of its competitors in that price range.

I had an unexpectedly good financial year last year so I decided to splurge on my first bottle of Pappy 15. It was now or never... I tried it a few years ago at a bar in Louisville when I was a whiskey novice and was truly floored - it was the smoothest, lightest, most elegant bourbon I’d ever had and started me down the path of true whiskey appreciation. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous opening this bottle. I’ve had hundreds of bourbons since that first taste so my palate has become much more jaded. First impression...a very subtle oakiness and a bit of smoke, hints of plum and raisin, and practically zero bite for 107 proof. Having leaned heavily towards barrel proofers lately, a light, sweet wheater didn’t make much of an impact but trying it again the next day revealed new levels of depth and completely that reminded me exactly why this bottle has become such a status symbol. It is approachable for newcomers to the whiskey world with enough sophistication for those who have been around the block. So if drinking big, bold barrel proofers like GTS is like attending a loud rock concert then drinking Pappy 15 is like listening to a jazz trio. We are lucky to be living in an age with so many spectacular whiskey options for whatever suits your mood.

Let me start by saying I’m a huge Barrell fan. Their Bourbon, Infinite Barrel, New Years, and Dovetail occupy a hallowed place on my shelf. This SiB Rye is a swing and a miss though. A scorcher at 126+ proof but lacking the depth that would make you want to drink anything that strong with a finish I can only describe as “medicinal”. Still love ya, Barrell...but this was an expensive mistake for me.

Currently drinking bottle 15 from barrel #1 and am absolutely floored...what a find! Baking spices, cinnamon, dark fruits...I’d put it several notches above ECBP and Old Ezra and just a notch below GTS. At under $100 this feels like an absolute steal.

Incredibly rich and full bodied for a relatively low proof bourbon. Instantly jumped onto my list of all time favorites.

Definitely a polarizing bottle for whatever reason but I personally like the level of richness and heat. Reminds me of George Dickel BiB 13 and Barrell SiB - two of my current faves.

A significant improvement over regular Blanton’s. This mash bill really sings at 103 proof and has a nutty finish that reminds me quite a lot of RHF.

This bottle (Act 6, Scene 4) came highly recommended, but I’m now halfway through it and it just isn’t working for me. I’m getting a grape juice and pickle juice finish that is killing the enjoyment of the rye spice. To be fair, I generally don’t like finished whiskies...Barrell Dovetail being the rare exception.

A mellow yet complex BIB with a great nose and nice long finish. Very polarizing for whatever reason but it definitely hits the mark for me.

Light and sweet at first and then a big, high rye, high proof burn that hits every corner of your mouth. Definitely lives up to its moniker.