Tastes

Nose is grainy and sweet honey - light altogether, but a notable dose of ethanol heat that only comes in an occasional wave was a bit of a surprise at the proof point. However, to be clear, this is an enjoyable nose. Sweet, light citrus flavors dominate this malty pour - I think the big surprise is that the palate is heavier than I would have expected based upon the nose. Minimal oak presence, but what is here is pleasant and complimentary. This makes for a better-than-average pour, particularly for the age (and price point), especially if it is a 2 or 3 finger type of night...

Had this bottle for ages...why not open it and rate it (though I have had the whiskey in the past). Pleasant nose offers a general brown sugary sweetness, a bit of oak, some fruity esters, and a healthy dose of rye-like spice (ok this is a high rye - didn't realize that at first, but I believe it). Light and fruit forward on the palate with a general sweetness, and a very mild barrel presence. Not the most complex pour, but it is, to be fair, quite enjoyable, and easy drinking. Sticker says $29.99, and I'd happily pick up a bottle of this anytime at this price. Better than anticipated!

Working through the list, and pulling down the open bottles first...and was happy to see this gem in the line. Nose is outstanding - inviting and warm, but minimal ethanol to get in the way of a charred oak gem...brown sugar, caramel, baking spices, and some fruit as you dig. Water opens up a bit, but is not needed to enjoy this bottle. Flavor isn't a big surprise, but it still manages to exceed expectations...full bodied, rich caramel, oak, sweet vanilla, and wisps of chocolate. Viscous pour, this drinks every bit of its proof, but the proof doesn't define this whiskey, and that's what makes it great! Got this bottle for a song, and would have happily paid more...

Slip in a 'simpler' pour...have tried the Japanese, Caribbean, and Portuguese versions of the Dewar's "smooth" collection, and this was definitely my favorite. Sweet, grassy nose with wisps of light smoke...some irish-like qualities. Flavor profile is more scotch-like, softened (I presume) by the mizunara oak. Incredibly easy drinking, but admittedly not much to think about here...and sometimes that is the right choice. Some astringency on the backend, but not a detractor... Price, which admittedly was a nice find, earns a bonus tick

Slowly gonna work through my various ECBPs for ratings - tonight I randomly pulled down the A120...didn't look at which one until after I poured the glass, nosed it, and sipped it, and let's just say I wasn't surprised to see this was on the higher end of the proof scale. Nose is vocal...screaming spice and heat, but some subtle youthful fruit notes. Flavor is surprisingly drinkable at proof, though probably not for a newer bourbon sipper, as this would have simply come across as hot in my earlier days. The sweet brown sugar notes were immediately evident, but there's some cinnamon, barrel spice, wood, hints of vanilla, and more fruit. Quite good, but admittedly this is calling for a bit of water to open it up...so here we go... About 4-5 drops of water opens up the nose immensely...not necessarily releasing anything that was previously hidden, but just amps up the vibrancy. Cherry and apple notes are evident. Flavor softens up and makes this more approachable, but the brown sugar, oak, and spice are there...and this is unmistakably EC at the core. A very nice pour, but can also say this is far from the best of the ECBP series...just gotta get to some other rates down the road!

Nose is sweet, sweet corn, hints of orangey tropical fruits, banana, and more corn. Flavor is unique for me...the corn notes are still prevalent, but there's a sticky sweetness...a cross between caramel and butterscotch, some apple notes, and finishes with an important dose of young wood that levels the playing field. Palate is light on it's feet and a very easy drinker.

Fruity esters, brown (slightly burnt) sugars, vanilla, and mild ethanol dominate the nose. Know some folks have mentioned various berries here and though I'm not able to place individual fruits, the berry sweetness is evident. Gets better with a bit of glass time. Flavor is sweet with a bit of underlying spice - keeps it interesting - along with some oak and fruit. Good stuff that seems to evolve from sip to sip. Palate is full...easy drinking even with a bit of backend heat, and a well-above average length to the finish. An interesting dram that will keep you guessing.

Been a while, so time to settle in and rate and old friend. Very sweet nose with hints of marzipan, light oak, and almost a buttercream frosting - the sherry barrel is in control here. People who don't like scotch would like the nose. Approachable flavor remains sweet, but somewhat dry - some almond/honey notes mimic the nose for me - some other fruits emerge. Pleasant and easy drinking. Not the most complex scotch, but one that never disappoints!

Bottle dated 4/13/20 from Kenwood Liquors (Chicago) at 131.1 proof. Really vibrant nose that betrays the proof of this whiskey - loads of brown sugar, dark fruits, vanilla, wood, and a peppery spice if I dig in a bit...some ethanol burn if I look for it, but nothing to indicate we're dealing with 65% alcohol here! Incredibly soft drinking for the ABV as well, this is as close to an easy sipper as you'll find for something 115+ proof...caramel, vanilla, dried oak, more spice than was evident on the nose - not rye-like, but "spicy", and chewy levels of brown sugar. Water opens up both the nose and the palate a bit more, allowing more fruit to come through on the sip. Good neat, good with a few drops - nothing to complain about either way. When I first cracked this bottle (disclaimer, its been 'open' for a year) it was hands down the best JD product I'd enjoyed...now it sits alongside the Barrel Proof Rye. Credit where credit is due - Jack Daniels does Barrel Proof in a way that will please those enjoying a high proof, but not overwhelm those who like their whiskey a little softer.

Drinking a SB Select bottled for Trail Inn/Triangle in NW IN. Nose is generally sweet - some butterscotch, cereal, a healthy layer of fruit and a significant dose of ethanol, but it is warm and inviting. Water opens things up just a smidge, but a bit of glass time worked as well. Flavor is full bodied...brown sugar, dark and light fruits (apple/berries), vanilla/wood, hints of spice...this is some pretty damn good stuff. I like this neat, and I like a bit of water in there - yes, its hot but always approachable. I hope I can keep finding this at MSRP...but I worry this will become harder and harder to find...