Tastes

Nose: Light and earthy. Pallet: Super smooth and a nice hit of peat. Finish: The finish carries that peat all the way through with earthy undertones. I use Blue as my measuring stick for all other scotch’s. Good enough to be drank neat. This is my favorite but also the one one I have at this price point.

Nose: Soft spice and pleasant Pallet: Smooth on the front with spice that builds on the back. Floral notes with a light pepper on the rear. Finish: Dry spice with a hint of something off but I find that typical with this pour and that may play into why it is so good as a mixer. Bulleit Rye is our daily for Old Fashions and is excellent as a barrel aged Old Fashion.

Nose: Dry, grainy Pallet: Rye spice Finish: Nice heat Overall I’m not impressed from Jim Beam, this is a basic JB offering but will have to try the Knob Creek Rye.

Nose: Light with barrel notes. Touch of sweetness. Pallet: The additional barrel finish helps to smooth out the flavor with adding toasted notes. There is a touch of sourness. Finish: Dry and oak-ey warmness. The overall pour was very enjoyable, the $20+ increase in price in a more competitive class that it could compete but won’t win. EC is one of my daily drinkers and this is a fine twist on a old staple.

Barrel 567, 3.5 yrs, 129.5 proof Nose: Lighter than the 190 and more pleasant. Full mixture of spice. Pallet: Very earthy and dry (tannic) on the tongue along with what I’m told is flavors of the malted grain. Finish: Dry with more of the malted grain. After 2 more tastings I find the earthy was stays consistent.

Barrel 190, 6.5 yrs, 137.6 proof. Nose: No alcohol but heavy spice Pallet: Lots of flavor on a full pallet, with All Spice and caramel undertones. Finish: Long caramel finish with a high proof burn (but manageable) After two other tastings I find the caramel is more on the spicy cinnamon side with fruit notes on the finish.

Classic Markers Mark flavors, the pump in proof helps bring out the caramel and vanilla without being harsh.

RN 77-5R Second tasting was after a couple Makers Mark. There is a sweet Smokeyness to it. I can’t pick out the underlying spice flavor.

Next day tasting notes. More punch than Jim Beam white label but with a kick of flavor. Enjoyed this more over a long pour than the traditional.

Nose: Soft Pallet: vanilla with a floral spice. Finish: Starts with vanilla and ends with a heat Makers Mark is always a consistent expression and that is what the do best. If you haven’t visited the distillery it is a must to seen the buildings and the grounds.