I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon

Spice, plum, cinnamon. Good but not worth the $$

Nose shows both sweet and savory notes of caramel flan, toasted almonds, cocoa powder, dry oak, and leather. Some lingering notes of fruity vanilla bean and red apple. Doesn't jump out of the glass but it is very pleasant and balanced. Rich entry but doesn't coat the mouth all that well. Of course dry oak starts on the palate with vanilla custard, red pepper jelly, rye bread, and aniseed following behind. It is not a full flavored bourbon but the orange scented oaky finish lasts a nice long while. Proof could be a bit higher to see what other flavors are lying dormant in those barrels. But all in all, very enjoyable 15 year bourbon that stays away from being too dry

As good as I remember…smooth than spicy finish…oaky…spice lingers

Assessed in a Glencairn spirits nosing glass. Aroma - Neat - Very drying to the throat. Heavy wood, stone fruits, caramel corn, mild black tea, vanilla bean and distant cola. Adding a splash of water . . . This has perhaps intensified the caramel just a bit, but nothing else discernible. Taste - Neat - Sweet corn, oak and a touch of fudge. Not overly interesting. Quite smooth sipped neat, but only because of the very low ABV. Adding a few drops of water anyway . . . not recommended. This has only lessened the aforementioned. Final thoughts - Decent... but ultimately disappointing. I feel like a real opportunity was missed here with the ABV. I don’t understand why you’d bottle something with a 15 year age statement at only 43%. I think i can tell that this would be something phenomenal at barrel proof, and for the presentation, scarcity and sought-after nature, you’d expect more. The whiskey is decently bold in the flavors mentioned, and I’d go as far as to say it’s tasty, but it isn’t put-it-in-a-decanter good. I think this will make a really solid sipper to pair with a cigar, but at the rarity and price markup you see these days, I cannot recommend it unless found for a good price.

Notable notes of honey, oak, and caramel, quite tasty.

Immediate buttery goodness on both the nose and palette. Subtle earthy palette gives way to smooth caramel. Slight warmth even though ABV is sub-90. Tasty finish leaving you wanting one more sip. Then one more sip.