I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon

Out standing nose, all aspects of this bourbon is soft and clear. Sweetness of corn at the start, soft fruity, vanilla and spice straight through. At $28 a bottle this is a super value, will drink this anytime!

I W Harper Straight Bourbon 82 proof. 73% Corn 18% Rye 9% Barley Nose: classic Kentucky bourbon. Very rounded and soft. Corn sweet, grain mash, blackberry jam, butterscotch, vanilla, cedar board, oak barrel, white chocolate fudge. The nose unfolds nicely in rich layers. Nothing smells out of place or incongruent. Palate: a little thin on entry like you would expect with the proof. Despite that there is a velvety richness to it. Not very oily. Fruity sweet transitions quickly to barrel sour and spice with a touch of char. Corn, blackberry, caramel, ginger, white pepper, smokey char, sour oak, a faint minty note. Finish: brief, peppery leather, drying, slight oak. There is definitely some older whiskey in the blend here that really rounds this out and adds some rich oak character. Overall its a gentle easy sipper and would be a decent gateway to classic kentucky bourbon. Well worth the $28 price tag and feels a touch classier. Despite the evidence of older whiskey there’s not much complexity. It is well rounded and nothing spikey. The nose out-punches the palate and the oak dominates the mid palate. It really transitions through very quickly. In all honestly for the money I would probably take Wild Turkey or Woodford over this. Nothing really stands out for a crowded market segment.

Definately taste the earthy oak type flavor immediately, but the caramel and fruity flavors eventually come around as well. Smooth

the overall tasting review is pretty much right on: full bodied & rich, but i failed to get a better taste after the first sip. not my cup of tea.

Disappointing after all I've heard. Nose made me super excited but each taste was just a simple, bland, wash. Some vanilla caramel sweetness to start, then a thin nothingness. No smoke, no wood, no spices, no heat. I've looked at grabbing a bottle each time I'm spending too much time and money in the aisle but I'll pass for good now.