Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal

This bottle caught my eye tonight and I thought why not taste it again. Glad I did. Perhaps my taste buds have matured to the point where I can appreciate this whiskey, perhaps years open has benefited this bottle, perhaps it could be the old fashioneds talking, I think not, but this is so much better than I remember. Rich and regal oak, vanilla, caramel, malt, tobacco and baking spices tempt the nose and tantalize the palate, and combine with spices and creme brulee to make truly satisfying finish.

So, I bought this bottle thirteen years ago, back when I thought JD was great and Crown Royal was the best whiskey available. Ignorance was bliss. Now that I just tasted JD no. 7 again, I thought it would be a good time to revisit this one. The nose is bananas and oak just like no. 7, the palate is not quite smooth with some muted oakiness, the finish, not too pleasant with some harsh tones and bitterness. At least the bottle is cool looking.