Tastes

My bottle was much higher proof (116.4) which probably gave it more weight but the maple sweetness overpowers the corny/caramel flavors that are otherwise interesting. I get a barn-dusty, grainy feel that is appealing and it seems MUCH softer than the proof indicates. Its fun as a dessert dram but not sure its worth the price for a 375ml…

Although each barrel is slightly different in proof, the overall flavor profile is similar with all. This is a huge mouthful of Tennessee Whiskey that rivals most under $100!I currently get it in Texas for about $57 and at that price it’s a no-brainer. This is best in a Glencairn with a small cube or splash of spring water at the end of my day. This brings out all of the massive flavor profile found. If you hate No. 7 (which I do), you’ll find this to be very different, in a good way. Probably the best standard offering from Jack at an embarrassingly low price. Insert this in a blind tasting of barrel proof offerings and watch it kick ass!

I am a sucker for anything from Heaven Hill, and used to buy this bourbon back in the early 90s when Heaven Hill first acquired the brand… Probably only varies from EWBIB in the char of the barrels and the total time left in the rickhouse … I prefer EWBIB, but would buy this in a pinch any day… It is a great value and makes a mean Manhattan

This is a bit of a conundrum. It has far more flavor than most at this proof. Sometimes a bit more water can coax more flavor from the barrel, but in this case, while smooth with 8-9 years of age, the oak is just far too prominent—and obscures the other notes of tea, nutty and corny sweetness. It’s really hard to recommend this at 3 times the price of WT101 or at 50% more than Rare Breed, which is higher in proof if a bit more one-dimensional. Overall this seems a bit like a money-grab, and I’d recommend you spend your bucks on the aforementioned Turkey products or Russell’s Reserve 10 year old for way less money. It’s perfectly fine—but not $60 fine.

I’ll admit I’ve never been a huge fan of WT 101 Bourbon (even though I do like Russell’s Reserve and especially the WT 101 Rye.) “Rare Breed” seems to hit the high rye sweet-spot in the Turkey lineup, with a layered, dense flavor profile that’ll knock your socks off! Subtle it’s not, but I’m not sure there’s anything else out there at this proof that gives SO MUCH for the buck. A cube really opens up all it has to offer. This is really a top-shelf pour that’s readily available in-store, at a price that’s truly “mid-shelf”! It belongs in your collection—just leave one for me, please!!

Sourced or otherwise, this has clearly been blended with the Willett flavor profile in mind. Spicy, cinnamon red-hots dominate this slightly hot blend, although I didn’t get much of the “Apple” notes many others have touted. I do taste enough barrel spice to believe there are some old barrels blended with the young ones that put a hotter, ethanol based spin on the nose and front palate. It finishes extra warm, spicy, and long. For around $30 this is a bargain

Bitter, nasty, charmless rye whiskey. Not even sure this wouldn’t ruin a Sazerac or Manhattan. Tried in a Glencairn with a couple of cubes which did little to draw out any flavor. This is persistently tannic and bitter, like it’s spent too much time in very green and unseasoned oak. Avoid!