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Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 92
The nose is rich and enticing, with butterscotch, caramel, and peanut brittle. That nuttiness continues onto the palate, which also offers a surprising of red fruits, including apples, orchard fruits, plums, and grapes. The finish is lengthy, and showcases chocolate syrup, Tootsie Rolls, tannic oak, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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William Larue Weller Bourbon (Fall 2015)
Distiller Score 98
As you taste this bourbon you may be reminded of the dessert scene in "Young Frankenstein" when Igor is accused of making "yummy sounds." Vanilla, milk chocolate, almond and Bing cherries (collectively, the flavors of a tonka bean if you've ever tasted them) waft from the glass and onto the palate. Comforting, buttery shortbread, honeysuckle and the most delicate acidity of lemon oil follow. Given its considerable proof, it's hardly noticeable, perhaps distracted by its truly yummy and balanced flavors. Mmmmmmmm.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 95
This bourbon offers a surprisingly gentle and aromatic bouquet for a spirit at 55% abv. Aromas of oak, cinnamon spice, vanilla pound cake predominate, with orange peel, coconut macaroon and grain notes playing a secondary role. On the palate, this is a flavorful, multilayered whiskey, with an initial hit of alcohol burn and a strong cinnamon and oak note giving way to vanilla, almond, toasted coconut, and mint before the cinnamon and baking spice notes return. The finish is long and enjoyable, with a distinct apple pie note followed by oak, baking spices, chocolate and finally, freshly baked snickerdoodle cookies before dissipating.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C919
Distiller Score 91
One of the better examples of balancing elegance and strength within Kentucky bourbon. Aromas of a great Thanksgiving spread - sweet potatoes, sage, stewed fruit, and pepper! And very nuanced for the proof as well. The palate is coating from front to back with pepper, caramel and char. With a little water, more melon and vanilla notes emerge.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Rock Hill Farms Bourbon
Distiller Score 91
This whiskey greets you with a complex nose of dusty oak, wet saddle leather, dried figs, sweet Werther’s candies and a bouquet of baking spices. At first sip, soft dark chocolate, tobacco and a bit of toasted oak are followed shortly by poached pears, salted caramel and the spicy bite of rye. This whiskey finishes with as much complexity as it has expressed all along. You will enjoy mint, salty toasted walnuts, vanilla creme and a big baking spice and rye-biting tail. This whiskey is one to enjoy amongst great friends with plenty of time to savor.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 88
A light, sweet nose with caramel, tobacco, tropical fruit, and apple greets you on the nose. For a high-rye bourbon, the rye spice certainly doesn't exert itself, leaving the palate to lush, rich caramel, mocha, mango, toasted oak, and orange. The rye spice sneaks in at the end but doesn't draw much attention. The finish delivers dried apricots, oak, and caramel.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon
Distiller Score 94
The nose on this bourbon is soft and mildly sweet, with vanilla, oak, toasted almond, freshly baked pound cake and a hint of orange blossom. On the palate, it is obvious that this is a high-corn bourbon, as an initial wave of sweetness and grain notes appears immediately, giving way to cinnamon, oak and hints of dried plum and chocolate. The mouthfeel is perfectly balanced at 86 proof, being neither too unctuous nor watery. A long satisfying finish with fresh mint, orange peel, milk chocolate and toasted almonds ends things nicely.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish
Distiller Score 94
Nose offers a combination of vanilla and baking spices, dry oak and a red wine influence, along with light mint and herbal notes. The palate is rich, with more vanilla, dark red fruits and wine tannins, oak, clover honey, and rye spice. A moderate length finish continues on the sweet and rich sweet side, with vanilla, char, chocolate, brown sugar, and just a touch of black pepper. Delicious, and an excellent job interweaving the Madeira influence with the bourbon itself.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Jefferson's Rye Cognac Cask Finish
Distiller Score 93
The cognac is prominent on the nose with violets and dandelions atop oak, molasses, licorice, and mint. Those influences switch on a rich palate that's whiskey-forward upfront, offering rye spice, salted caramel, and brown sugar leading into grapes and blackcurrants. A lengthy, pleasing finish offers dark chocolate and vanilla, followed by a touch of heat wiped away with luscious raspberry syrup, leaving a close of tingling tannins and barrel char.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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1792 Aged Twelve Years
Distiller Score 88
The 1792 12-year has many of the same flavor traits of it younger siblings, while expressing its maturity through a host of more subtle and precise characteristics. The familiar sweetness comes through in a rich and layered maple syrup note that is countered by drier, rye-influenced Turkish apricot aromas. This bourbon rolls across the palate with a round and creamy structure that, while not overly complex, is immensely enjoyable and well balanced.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (Fall 2015)
Distiller Score 98
This whiskey is like a favorite sweater, something with which to look forward to reaching for each autumn. This year's release was a particular delight, with malted chocolate, sweet and peppery spices, basically tasting like the whiskey equivalent of a comforting spiced cocoa. A measure of acidity balances it out beautifully. This very special whiskey begs to be poured and savored slowly, making the best of each precious drop.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Stranahan's Sherry Cask
Distiller Score 92
The liquid pours into glass a brilliant burgundy hue. On the nose are notes of stone fruit. Cherry, apricot and plum lead the charge. These initial aromas open up to the air, allowing a slow reveal of vanilla and oak. It greets the tongue with a warming, leathery spice. By the time it meets back palate, though, it's all decadence: candied pecans, toffee, and a touch of raisin. The influence of the sherry lingers long into the finish, where an oily nuttiness persists. Denver, meet your new dessert dram.
Reviewed by Brad Japhe