Tastes

NEAT NOSE - Sweet and Complex. Initially, I picked up something that reminded me of marshmallows. The marshmallow note is most dominant supported with notes of caramel, cinnamon, and graham crackers. It’s reminiscent of S’mores. Also, I get absolutely no notes or hints of spice. This bourbon is extremely well rounded to cater to those who would prefer a sweeter profile. I know many have said that this is spicy or very oaky before and I wonder if they were more present in earlier batches when this first came out. PALATE - Buttery smooth and velvety mouthfeel. FINISH - Smooth and medium in length. The oak comes in on the finish but it is pleasant and sweet. BUY? - Yes, if you like sweeter bourbons. However, I would only pay at SRP or maybe $10 over. I’ve walked away from stores charging $80 with no regrets. BUY AGAIN?? - When I first got this, I stumbled across it in two different Twin Liqours and regret not getting a backup because I got it at retail ($60). I didn’t get a backup initially because of all of the mixed reviews I’ve heard of this bourbon. If you were discouraged by other reviews, still pick up a bottle if you come across it and try it for yourself. You might love it. Again, I’d be weary if paying $80+.

NEAT NOSE - Very full and strong without being overpowering on the nose. The nose is complex and amazing. I get deep and dark notes of brown sugar and oak along with caramel, maple, and vanilla frosting. PALATE - Unbelievably smooth and full of flavor. Main notes that come across on the palate are brown sugar and oak. This pour coats the palate throughout. FINISH - Long and oaky, but it’s a pleasant, sweet oak. BUY? - Absolutely for SRP. BUY AGAIN?? - Only at SRP or maybe $10 over. After that, I’d probably walk away. This is a great bourbon and one of the reasons for that is its age and affordable price point. If you can find this near retail, don’t skip on it.

PICK: Oak Liqour Cabinet//Mystery Batch No. 8 NEAT NOSE - The nose is full and sweet with notes of peaches and caramel. PALATE - The palate is not as smooth, as the nose would suggest due to a kick of rye spice. That’s not to say it isn’t a good pour. The main notes that come across are caramel and cinnamon. The peach doesn’t come across on the palate as the nose would suggest, but I do get a fruity note on the palate nonetheless. FINISH - Medium - Long BUY? - Yes. BUY AGAIN?? - This is my first BiB store pick from 1792 and I have two more in the collection to try. After trying this, It will likely be on my “no pass list”. Especially at the price point around $35, it’s hard to pass this up. I’ll try to pick up every pick I find and you should too.

NEAT NOSE - Oak and Caramel PALATE - Smooth, Light, Sweet. Caramel with a touch of oak. Maybe some vanilla. It’s pretty sweet and not offensive. FINISH - Medium BUY? - Yes, especially if you’re just getting into bourbon. It’s a great introduction to bourbon. BUY AGAIN? - It would make for a great daily at its price and easy/straightforward flavor profile. It’s non-offensive and welcoming. For similar price point, I think I will be blinding this against Wild Turkey 101, 1792 SB, and Four Roses SB to see which I prefer.

NEAT NOSE - Apricot, Apples, Caramel, Cinnamon, and Brown Sugar PALATE - Smooth and oily mouthfeel. Cinnamon, Honey, Apple, and rye spice on the palate. FINISH - Long OVERALL - This is a definite buy, especially if you’re trying to finish out the series.

NEAT NOSE - Blueberries, Grape Jelly, Caramel, Herbal Tea and Cane Sugar PALATE - Slightly viscous. Notes of caramel, herbal tea, honey, and dark fruits. FINISH - Like both of the other Still Austin BiB seasonal releases, the finish is smooth and long. OVERALL - This may be the best BiB from Still Austin yet. A close second is the red corn. This is fantastic and definitely worth a buy!

NEAT NOSE - Sweet Corn, Caramel, Cinnamon PALATE - Slightly viscous mouthfeel with soft notes of vanilla, honey, cinnamon, and caramel. FINISH - Long, with very minimal rye spice. OVERALL - Still Austin is doing amazing things with this seasonal bottled in bond series. The nose on this is excellent and the palate is smooth and enticing. I do prefer the Red Corn release to this one, but I believe this one is still worth a buy without question.

NEAT NOSE - Red Apples, Dark Fruits, Caramel PALATE - Extremely smooth, sweet and pleasant. The palate is full of apple and dark fruit with caramel on the back end. This bourbon is incredibly balanced. FINISH - Long, smooth, and sweet. OVERALL: With this being a limited run, I encourage you to atleast grab a bottle to see what they’re doing out at Still Austin. I have said thay they’re the best distillery in Texas, but I think they’re honestly able to compete with some Kentucky distilleries. Give this a try. Stop passing by it if you have been.

NEAT NOSE - Rich Brown Sugar, Caramel, Sweet Oak, and a slight hint of Maple PALATE - Sweet/Dark Oak, much more oak than the nose would suggest. The brown sugar is rich and chewy on the palate and the caramel is bold. FINISH - Much smoother than the proof would suggest. Finish is everything coming together with oak at the forefront. BUY? - Yes BUY AGAIN?? - Maybe not the same release, but this is my first Woodford Reserve Batch proof and I will likely pick up others if able.