Bird Dog 10 Year Very Small Batch Bourbon (German Shorthaired Pointer)

Nose - Sweet vanilla, caramel, hint of oaky simple, light fresh cherry/strawberry notes. Taste - Sweet oaky vanilla, caramel, light cinnamon burn, light green oak sapling bitterness throughout, fairly thin mouthfeel. Finish - Lingering cinnamon tingle, sweet vanilla caramel simple syrup, light green sapling bitterness lingers. Score - 77/100 Final Thoughts - This one had a pleasant nose and very typical bourbon notes. I think this would have done a bit better if it hadn't been for this odd lightly off-putting notes of a bitter green sapling like bitterness I got throughout on the palate & finish that I didn't get in the nose. Not too bad overall, but the bitterness throws it a bit off balance and is just distracting enough. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Not another one

$40 here in MI. Not worth the price IMO.( see 2nd review) Not a lot of flavor. Some bitternes. Fairly fruity. I prefer a darker, dark oakier bourbon. It has sweetness, some burn which is about 50/50 alcohol to tanins. The oak is a fresh oak...not a charred older oak. I like the 12yr Elijah Craig, 12 ECBP, and Knob creek 9yr...darker less "bright" bourbons. Maybe this will be your thing...but it isn't mine. Later review....After the bottle has had a week opened and then letting the pour sit in the glass for 10-15mins. Some of the brighter fruit flavors give way to to the darker carmel flavors. I find this a good thing. Still a little tingling on the tongue but the finish has a much sweeter/caramel taste and actually more than average smoky/char to it. The bitterness remains from start to finish. This would BE WORTH $40 if this is the profile you like...much improved over time...but still not one of my top likes ....3.5 stars