Tastes

Tried another new pour today. Caramel cake nose. Sweet fruits up front with oaky middle and some pepper on the back as the slight burn melts into your throat. This is a good, not great dram. I’m glad I tried it. Will probably go back to things I know and love more than paying up for a bottle here. However, certainly would enjoy this dram again with friends.

Well, I’m a sucker for fairly rare things like this. Only ~14k released in US? Ok, I’ll try a (nice, unmeasured pour) for less than $25 for something this rare. Glad I’ve tried it, probably won’t get again if I see it. I’ve got to wonder if other drinkers have been rating for the rarity? Not much detail on why folks liked it. I wonder if buyers remorse is setting in and one can’t rate something low that one has paid (high price) for? Understand I’m by no means a professional and am more apt to be able to say “I like it” or “I don’t like it”. However, here’s what I found: The nose is pretty nice. Caramel and some leather. However, the flavor left something to be desired. It’s pretty light, not much linger. Even at 101, didn’t feel much heat. In the tasting, I got some pepper when swishing around my mouth, and some rye notes at the very end. Not sweet at all, but perhaps a hint of the caramel up front in the flavor. I feel like I’d be just as happy with the 101, which I find I like for the (low) price. All in all, not a bad dram, but only highly rated for the rarity. I’ll say a 3 on flavor, 4+ for the rare find. Probably not worth the money if you’re looking for flavor.

2.5 stars. Ok. I’m being unfair. 2.8, maybe 3? I like bourbon. I like rye. I don’t like this bourye. Nice in premise and on paper, but application doesn’t please my pallet (and I’m pretty sure it’s still a fully-sourced and then blended product). Medicinal hint on nose - like all High West products. Not very complex bourbon up front. Smooth rye-ish finish. Not worth ANYWHERE NEAR the $80+ they charge (here in MD). Look elsewhere in the (relative) price point (esp Blanton’s, Macallan 12, Angel’s Envy Rye, even Lot 40; Whistlepig Farmstock isn’t fully sourced anymore and is about $100) to put your hard-earned money to use.

Surprised by all the positive reviews. Not terrible spirit, but - even at its cheap price, not worth it. Smells fairly good. Flavor seems pretty young. I get some burnt caramel, which I don’t love. Overall, not my favorite. Won’t buy again. Buy Evan Williams Single Barrel (or Eagle Rare 10 or Woodford Reserve) at this price point.

(What are the expert eaters thinking?!) 2.6 which I’ll round to 3. Tequila nose. Whiskey palette. Try it at a bar first! Way overpriced for the flavor. It’s not terrible, but I don’t plan to buy again.

My first Canadian whiskey (and my perception of Canadian whiskey is relatively low.) Cinnamon sticks and some cherry nose. Very light. Sweet pepper and cinnamon on the tongue. Pleasing, relatively short finish. I actually like this a lot. Will enjoy this bottle and be happy to buy another one! (Would like to try the 12yr based on this initial dram.)

This is a good whiskey, but not a great whiskey. Great color, good nose (LOTS of caramel - maybe even a caramel popcorn ball nose), nice overall flavor - wish there was more pepper on the back. Too expensive and (way) too sweet. (So sweet that more than 1 pour an evening is a little difficult.)

4 stars due to price ($26); probably about a 3 maybe 3.5 for outright flavor. Spice up front (high rye mash). Sweet in back. Given the price (and 100 proof nature) it's hard not to want to keep a bottle around! Not easy to find and many friends haven't tried. Nice to share something "rare" without having to pull out the Antique Collection! This won't taste like a $60 bourbon, but again, is good enough at this price that you never HAVE to get a $60 bourbon if you don't want...

Why would anyone ever mix this? Outstanding bourbon. Great flavor that lasts. Too good (and expensive) to mix. Spicier (and much better, overall) than the small batch (also a great bourbon). However, for the price ($40-45ish), is it really worth it? I love the bourbon, but can get similar flavor profile in Evan Williams single barrel (sweeter) for $10+ less. Great bourbon! Try it (once). Make your everyday something less expensive. This is for annual special occasions.

Are you kidding? I heard so many good things, I had to try it. I can't believe Evan Williams is gonna make a product as good as you're saying. And for $30? No way! Well, I was wrong. It's freakin' fantastic, especially for the price!!! Wish it were higher proof. Great flavor. Great value. I like it so much more than Henry McKenna BiB; much more flavor. Might remind me a bit of Four Roses single barrel, which is an outstanding bourbon but $10-15+ more a bottle. Caramel, spice, vanilla. What else to say? Do yourself a favor and buy a bottle. You'll be pleased you did!