Ben Holladay 6 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Nose hits the darker register with caramel, molasses, cocoa, autumn leaves and a side of sun-warmed hay. No complaints. The smoothness of the palate is a nod to the 7yr age statement. Honey, vanilla, sawdust, leather…apple and mild lemon. A still life in a lumberyard. Finish is tannic and medicinal with spearmint and something smoky like mesquite. Finally, a solid BiB from my adjacent state. I feel proud.

Straight: spicy, alright

That tabacco taste is not for me. Tastes like dried fruits and a fresh cigarette. Not bad, not great, but definitely not worth the price point.

Nose -sweet caramel and some corn. Taste - basic bourbon flavors but done well. Found it in the airport so no clue on cost but it was good.

Overall: I am from Missouri, so I will try to put bias aside. I was fully expecting for the age, and price this to be very comparable to Heaven Hill BiB (which I really enjoy), but it isn't. Instead of going the dark rich dessert path it goes for fruits, and it does that well. I wish it had a better mouthfeel, but I am not disappointed in acquiring this bottle. At the price of $51 before tax, I look forward to comparing it to Old Forester BiB. My gut tells me it will be bananas vs. dates. Nose: Ripe fruit: Strawberries, and raspberries. With more time, a molasses smell melds everything together. Palate: Rye bread hit me off the bat. The spice, mixed with a hollow texture I get from campari. Its not a bad thing, but a distinct textural component of some drinks. This all quickly morphs into the sweetness of dates, and vanilla ice cream. Finish: medium to medium short. Grape jelly - authentic grape jelly, not like the grape pixie stick of buffalo trace.