Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

We made the trip to Indiana for an early Thanksgiving. They provide the food and I am known to bring some fine bourbon. A few years ago. I introduced them to Elmer T Lee so the bar was very high. I am not willing to pay the current price for ETL especially since the 5 year ago bottle was $31 and they know how difficult it has become to find. Hancocks is quite good and that BT#2 is evident but ETL it's not. Still got incensed with my nephew that mixed it with Mountain Dew. It has become fairly hard to find and seemingly has only a fall release. It is the lowest proof of the mid to upper shelf BT#2 and list price is in the middle. Based on the bottles I've had, it is highly variable from barrel to barrel. Five years ago, we had a (blind) Christmas tasting of 5 BT#2s. This finished next to the bottom. Time to try again. Everything you expect from BT#2 is there and this bottle is a good one. Rich caramel on the nose followed by rye spices some cherry and honey (or is that from the sweet potatoes across the room? I digress) Taste is true with more flavor than you would expect from 89 proof although the alcohol was very subdued. Nice balance and finish too. It was a hit although everyone thought ETL was superior. I wish it was more consistent because when it's good, it's really good.

Caramel on the nose, lots of oak and dusty leather, Cinnamon and nutmeg and toffee on the finish. A good bit of spice to it but very smooth. Thin mouthfeel. Really nice.

Nose is tobacco, apple and other fruits... Clearly distinguishable! On the palate, carmel and show up with a nice citrus at the back... Finishes with a hint of rye spice, apricot, and oaky smoothness. Delicious!