Rating: 15/23
I don't think that this is as excellent as I once did, but as a $20 bourbon (if you buy the handle), it's a good choice.
N: Rich, woody, nutty, spicy, a bit oily. A very nice nose. There's some tartness and vanilla, but nothing too strong here. This smells decently old, though certainly not the 12 years that it used to be. I really enjoy this nose, moreso than I do that of Wild Turkey 101, which would be my other choice in the $20 range.
P: Vanilla, caramel, spices (especially cinnamon), nuttiness, rich wood. This is a decadent palate. I'm quite impressed by this as a $20 bourbon. It isn't all that complex and the wood does show a bit much, leaving a hint of a used teabag flavor a times, but it's still a very enjoyable palate. Some air in the glass really does wonders for this too.
F: The vanilla, cinnamon, and spices all really linger here. The heat does too, but it doesn't leave me with a sense of alcohol. It's quite a nice finish.
This particular tasting actually surprised me. Side by side with Wild Turkey 101, I have to say that this came out on top. It didn't come out on top by a wide margin, but it did win. I don't think that it quite reaches the level of 1792 Single Barrel, though the two are closer than I'd expected. Russell's Reserve 10, on the other hand, is clearly superior to this, despite being lighter, due to its nicer balance and complexity.
I started this tasting expecting to be pinning a 14 to this, but I'm now leaning toward a 15. Either way, it's a steal if you buy the handle.
20.0
USD
per
Bottle