Tastes

One of the only bourbons, or whiskeys period for that matter, that generates wait-lists for purchase all over the country. One of Buffalo Trace’s most coveted expressions. Is the juice worth the squeeze? Can this live up to the hype? Nose: Brown sugar and caramelized apple. Vanilla, honey, and toffee. Candy corn. Orange citrus and pumpkin pie. Cherry and Vick’s Vapor Rub. Pecan and toasted almond. Cocoa and pipe smoke develop after several minutes. Cinnamon, black pepper, and oak. Palate: The brown sugar, caramelized apple, and brown sugar translate. Vanilla, honey, and toffee. Cherry and Vick’s Vapor rub. Warm apple cider. Carrot cake. Toasted almond and pecan. A bit of jam. Orange citrus, cocoa, peppercorn, and pipe smoke. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak. Finish: Caramelized apple and brown sugar. Dried apricot. Pumpkin spice. Cocoa, black tea, and pipe smoke. Toasted almond. Maple. Cinnamon, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. So about 6 years ago, I rated this a 5. I was a bit of a novice then, and didn’t have much of a basis for comparison. So I almost expecting this follow-up to underwhelm. Boy was I wrong. The BT profile shines in this expression. Especially in the sensational nose. 4.75/5. The bottle was $60 years ago. I got this for $70, though the owner knew me and was selling it for $100. So I’ll rate this as if it’s in that $60-70 range, which is a bit more forgiving. It’s definitely worth that price, and the fact that I didn’t have to wait in line allows me to judge this on its own merits. And it’s awesome.

Not a bad bourbon. But definitely not worth the $55 it sells for. It should go for about half that figure. It's smooth, and though the nose and palate are off-putting at first, they grew on me. It's good stuff. However, there are much better options at that sell for far less. It's worth having at a bar or at a friend's house, but I wouldn't go out of your way to get a bottle of your own. 2.75 stars, mainly because it just doesn't stack up to others in its weight class.

Considering the cost, this is some very good scotch. At $35 a bottle, this is a great value. Singleton 12 can hang in with entry level Scotches $10-20 more expensive. It isn't all that complex, but it is very smooth. 3.75 for this one.

Very good entry level scotch. While it is mild for an Islay, it is very smooth and tasty. Ultimately, the notes are a bit weak. Also, it is a bit overpriced at $62. Still a good option; will buy again. 4 stars flat.

This stuff is smooth and delicious. My favorite rye yet. 4.5 stars for this one. I will definitely be getting it again

As smooth as it gets and very good at under $45. Unfortunately, the finish is lacking. That prevents me from giving it a full 5 stars. 4.25 is about right

Top notch-stuff. One of my favorites. The Rum Cask plays well with the classic Balvenie taste. Very smooth, definitely will buy again.

Good stuff at a good price. 3.5 stars

It's just a more potent expression of the regular Jim Beam as far as I can tell. It's not bad, but definitely nothing special. 2.5 stars