Tastes

Nose: rich caramel and surprisingly not much oak. Mouth: 90 proof makes it very mild and smooth. Somewhat oily and rich. Palate: where the nose lacks oak, you get it immediately on the palate. Oak fades into more rich caramel (think werthers candies). Finish: moderate. Lingering taste of oak but finish also reveals notes of vanilla and butterscotch. Rating: 4.25 of 5. Nose is incredible, taste is great, mouth feel is lacking. Would benefit from being creamier/more oily. Would still pay retail $50 for the 375ml bottle

This one reminds me of Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, in price and in flavor. Classic bourbon tasted, proofed well at 100 proof, but notably sweeter than Evan White Label. Nose: alcohol, corn, vanilla, caramel Palate: classic bourbon notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, but also unique lingering sweetness Finish: warm, rich, and medium length The fact that this is a $15 age stated Bottled in Bond is incredible. Sad to see it was discontinued. I’m stocking up.

Rich brown sugar caramel corn on the nose with ethanol, corn, and oak at the end. Mouth is very rich, creamy, and oily. Taste is dark cherry and brown sugar, with oak, cinnamon, and vanilla leaving a warming sensation that presents a long finish. At 132 proof, you definitely feel the heat, but it is not overwhelming. An ice cube brightens this one up, amplifies the oak and vanilla, but doesn’t take away from the rich creamy mouth feel.

Nose: very light on the nose. Buttered Corn and ethanol. Typical vanilla. Palate: pepper and rye up front. Not as hot as I expected for a Bottled In bond. Not much in the way of sweetness until the finish. Corn and oak are present as well. Light hints of traditional vanilla. Feel: thin and light Finish: moderate and sweet

Nose: heavy alcohol and oak, with light vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and some citrus. An ice cube really sweetens the nose Palate: menthol and oak up front, followed again by traditional vanilla, caramel, and toffee. An ice cube really takes the age off the strong alcohol and brings out brown sugar and citrus notes Feel: thin and dry Finish: long and hot. Ice cube shortens the finish.

Can’t go wrong with Makers Mark. Vanilla, caramel, and corn on the nose, and same goes for the front of the tongue. Sweet all the way through thanks to the wheat, but warm spice comes through at the end for a medium warm finish.

Sweet honey, vanilla, oak and corn on the nose, with hints of warm spice. Rustic warm vanilla spice, with notes of hay. Oak is prevalent from start to finish. Black pepper, bitter chocolate, and tobacco near the finish. Overall a rich, oily, satisfying bourbon.