I received a sample of this Kentucky straight bourbon from my bourbon guy at work. His father in law is a member of the Georgia Bourbon Society and this is a single barrel that they hand picked in 2016.
8 years and 3 months old, 125 proof or 62.5% ABV. Natural color of deep amber and non chill filtered. This has a mash bill that is 75/15/10% corn/rye/malted barley.
Initially the nose is a big jumble of flavors and a little clunky. Letting it settle down reveals strong cinnamon and light oak. A good amount of vanilla, brown sugar, toffee and caramel. Surprisingly fruity with red berries, baked cinnamon apples and pears. Rye bread with some honey tea notes and maybe a little nuttiness. It becomes sweeter with bubblegum notes. More vanilla and caramel towards the end. A dash of water allows for more vanilla, oak and apples to come through.
Mostly cinnamon on the palate initially. Apples and pears come though next with vanilla and caramel. Oak and a little rye with a general sweetness like cotton candy and overripe banana.
Full bodied mouthfeel that is hot, oily and mouthwatering.
A long finish with vanilla, oak and a hint of mint.
This is surprisingly easy to drink at 125 proof. A good amount of fruit and the cinnamon is not overbearing. A mostly typical bourbon profile, but less oak than I would have expected. A pretty good value at $47 locally given the high ABV. I think it would be best enjoyed with a big ice ball, but it's good neat. I do think that it would be better with a higher rye content, maybe 25-30% instead of 15. I give it a 4.25.
Cheers