I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon

The cork on this is HEAVY. By far the HEAVIEST cork I've ever pulled. The top must be crafted from glass or stone. Which leads me to the reason I made this purchase. I bought this for the decanter-style bottle as I much as for the juice. (The bottle itself is at least a $20 value.) The palate is very balanced with sweet and smooth oak. This is the longest matured bourbon I've had, and oak is the main engine here. It works beautifully in melding a single dimensional flavor profile without succumbing to tanins and astringency. It's quite refreshing.... if somewhat underwhelming. The finish is initially wood spice, before calming with subsequent tastings. Then a slight dryness begins to show. It may be presumptuous of me to say, but this is the Johnnie Walker of bourbons - smooth, uncomplicated, mild, and simple in its refinement. The bottle design, and the fine liquid, all point to country club politeness and entitlement. But it's not worth the cost for such a short, and less than memorable, ride. UPDATE: After being open for a year and a half, the once mild and enjoyable palate of this bourbon has gone downhill. The taste reminds me of hay, and I find it unpleasant. Knocking down the score from a 3.75 to a 3. This new score reflects how good it was upon opening - and the first few months - but also reflects its short shelf-life. In it's current state, I think it's narily a 2.5. My Rating Glossary: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."

A little too peaty for me