Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon

My first sip of this bourbon was like a punch in the mouth - BAM! At 50% abv, it came across strong on the nose as well as the pallet, so I added three teaspoons of water and let alone for 15 minutes, after which it blossomed into caramelized brown sugar and leathery notes. On the pallet, I get the same. I'm not much of a bourbon drinker (yet), but what is most noticeable is the contrast in sweetness to say, Evan Williams Single Barrel, which I like. EH Taylor has less of a sweetness in its taste profile, which is not a bad thing, just different. Whiskey expert and author Lew Bryson lists this bourbon in the top left quadrant of his bourbon flavor matrix of his book, Tasting Whiskey, which means that its mashbill is high rye, and toward the oakey side. Overall, this is worth a tasting experience if you haven't yet had the opportunity. It retails for around $38 750ml bottle.

A bit of a bite but very smooth finish. A bit of sweetness. Not too oily.