Tastes

Glencairn, neat, rested 20 minutes Nose: I took a whiff as soon as I poured for that classic Dickel Flintstone vitamin note but after resting 20 minutes it really toned down. I get cinnamon, apple pie filling, and a little vanilla. Palate: charred oak, a little apple, maybe some cacao if I reach. It's simple, but velvety in the texture. Finish: long finish of red hots and as the cinnamon fades I get some cherry. Overall: solid 35$ bottle and way better than the George Dickel I played quarters with in college. I expect I'll reach for this bottle anytime we have fire going. The cinnamon apple pie note is a blast.

Batch 20-01, Glencairn, neat, rested 30 minutes Nose: vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, lemon zest, it makes me think of girl scout lemon drop cookies Palate: full bodied, oily, caramel, vanilla, oak char, and honeydew Finish: long brown sugar finish with honeydew lingering around all fading with some nice spice. No astringency whatsoever. Overall: this is solid bourbon; textbook all the way though with just a dash of flair. It begs to be enjoyed slowly with company, I imagine this is a great staring bourbon for those interested in higher proof offerings.

Glencairn, neat, rested 20 minutes Nose: strawberry, green apple, and slight oak Palate: Smooth mouth feel, oak, char, sherry sweetness, red fruits, earthy nuttiness, slight spice and vanilla Finish: medium long, red fruits and peanut butter linger making me think of a childhood pb&j Overall: this is the one of the few finished bourbons I've had that I really thought found a good balance. Sherry doesn't usually suit my palate, but tonight it does so remarkably well. Good job Beam, y'all are quickly becoming my favorite distillery.

Glencairn, neat, rested 20 minutes Batch 16G07, this is a 2016 offering from when they used the 16 year Barton and 6 year MGP rye Nose: minty rye spice, dill, lime, honey, and leather Palate: minty rye right off the bat with some cinnamon coming in with a little dill and herbal notes reminiscent of gin all in front of deep wood notes Finish: chewy mouth feel, medium long finish, burn brown sugar, light spearmint, and dusty cabin Overall: This is the most enjoyable bourbon I've had. I feel like it's telling a story and one I want to hear. I know the current offerings don't have any of the 16 year Barton, so I'll keep an eye out for dusty bottles whenever I visit a new store.

Glencairn, neat, rested 20 minutes Nose: honey roasted peanuts is the first thing that comes to mind, there is some vanilla and light charred oak in there too Palate: oily, medium mouth feel, dark chocolate and coffee followed by caramel and vanilla with some raisins somewhere in there Finish: surprisingly long and full with the sweet caramel giving into spicy cinnamon Overall: I'm surprised and a bit bummed that the nuttiness didn't show up for me after the nose, but a solid bourbon for an amazing price. It's punchier Beam with a more full and long finish and that's all plus in my book.

Glencairn, neat, rested 20 minutes Color: didn't change Nose: quick jab of brown sugar followed by a combination of smells that just nails cinnamon raisin toast Palate: medium mouth feel starting out with some caramel and dry oak blending into some allspice kick Finish: medium long flowing between sweet pipe tobacco and cherries Overall: this is my kind of wheated bourbon. It hits all the crowd favorite flavors, it's affordable and it has a little nuance. Too bad it's a limited release.

Glencairn, neat, rested 40 minutes (I forgot I poured it) Nose: creamed corn, coconut pudding, honey cornbread Palate: candy corn, creamed corn, crem brulee, and toasted coconut Finish: short, creamed corn, toasted coconut, and vanilla pops out right before it totally fades Overall: for 12$ this is the best deal in bourbon. It is punching way above it's weight class.

Glencairn, neat, rested 20 minites Nose: rye bread, fennel, mint, molasses Palate: strong oak and cinnamon with caramel coming in behind Finish: short, cinnamon fading quickly to leave a hint of orange chocolates Overall: for 25-30$ this is a good Kentucky rye, simple but good

I like to write down the first and last pour of a bottle to see how things change as they open up. This is the last pour of my ECBP C919, I've been trying to make this one last. Glencairn, neat, rested 20 minutes Nose: so much vanilla, the brown sugar is still there but the vanilla makes me think of cupcake icing in the best way, not much ethanol either which still amazes me. Palate: lots of heat up front(I like that), medium-thick mouthfeel, no nuts anymore and the oak and brown sugar notes are very subdued and balanced with some cherry slipping in. It is very powerful yet orderly with nothing overshadowing the rest of the show. Finish: long warm finish full of Red Hots' cinnamon and vanilla that slowly slips away. Overall: best bottle of whisky I've had. In my mind this is bread and butter of brown water, bowling right now the middle of modern and nostalgic profiles. It was great at the neck pour and only got better. Thankful I bought two bottles, but it will have to be a special day for me to open #2.

Glencairn, neat, rested 15 minutes, neck pour Color: looks like scotch Nose: sweet honey, almond, and orange peel Palate: medium mouth feel with powerful cinnamon, allspice, orange peel, oak, and ginger. Finish: honey fades to oak spice with some meaty notes almost like a honey baked ham. Overall: I'm new to scotch and this is very exciting, I can't wait to try more from compass box