Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Kappy’s Fitchburg 12/28/2017 $53

K, I'm a little shocked I hadn't heard more about this bourbon before our host at this holiday party poured me a dram. Compared to the Four Roses I'd sipped just an hour or so earlier, this bourbon is dramatically better, with a nose of fudge, true rich, deep caramel that's missing in a younger bourbon, and some baking spices. Those flavors, particularly that rich caramel and vanilla, highlight the palate as well, along with some dry cedar and pecan pie. Hancock's apparently is the same mash bill as Blanton's, Elmer T. Lee, and Rock Hill Farms -- why are those three all incredibly famous, at least among big bourbon fans, while no one talks about this one? It does finish surprisingly quickly, with the bourbon equivalent of an Irish goodbye, but I would still put this bourbon right up there with Elmer T. Lee. It has more rich, sweet dessert flavors than that dram, less fruitiness than Rock Hill Farms, and less spiciness and rye than Blanton's. A very solid bourbon, enjoyed for the first time with first-rate company.