Ancient Ancient Age 10 Star

Continuing to review bottles in my collection that I've not yet reviewed. Sadly, this bottle has been discontinued by Buffalo Trace, and I just poured the last of my last bottle. I'd never seen this where I live, and when I saw it out of town a few years back, for about $20, I grabbed it. Also continuing my recent Pantone color experiment: this one, like several other bourbons, looks like Pantone 152 (https://www.pantone-colours.com). (By the way, I have zero association with Pantone). Classic and pleasantly fruity nose shows caramel apples, apple pie, and graham cracker, followed by a healthy blast of spearmint. Palate exhibits a little viscosity, oranges, and a nice spiciness, transitioning to a sweet, medium-length finish with just a little pepperiness on the finish. The 90-proof is very much in balance--almost hidden. Not the most complex bourbon, but a great value, and enough there to keep your interest. 3.25 on the Distiller scale. Farewell to an oldie, but a goodie. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Drinks way above its price point. Nice flavors but not complex. A tad thin. Otherwise a fine pour

Here's the whole review: This is 90% of the way to Blanton's if you don't want to wait in line and pay too much for the fancy bottle. It's the same mashbill. It's the same distillery. It's not a single barrel, and it's slightly lower proof. It's almost Blanton's and it's like 16$ for a 750. What do you have to lose?