Jefferson's Reserve Pritchard Hill Cabernet Cask Finish

So I'm starting to see more finished bourbons on the market. Some are crackers, like Belle Meade or Angels Envy (you can already see where this is going...), and some don't quite stick the landing, and fall short of a memorable pour. I like finished bourbon as a category, and it's shaken up what was perhaps if not a stagnant market, then not a very diverse one. Sadly, this bottle does not offer much to run out and buy one. The nose feels like two drinks working against one another. I get the deep, fruity, grapey notes from the wine, and I get the neutered rye spice from the bourbon. It's been a minute since I had regular Jefferson's bourbon, but the fact that I can't recall much in the way of tasting notes moves it more into the "forgettable" category. The combination of the two noses leads to an uncomfortable olfactory experience; not a promising start. It enters HOT on the palate. Much hotter than 45% should. The comedy of errors from the nose returns once the alcohol simmers down. Grape must, boarding on cough syrup, with caramel and barrel tannin from the bourbon. These are flavors that are lovely on their own, but combined it's like peanut butter and mustard. Not for me. Or most sane people. The finish is warming, but not enough to salvage this mess. So after sifting through the wreckage of my tasting notes, I remembered that I also paid $60 for this bottle. I've made some bad purchases in the past, but this one may take the crown. Fortunately, I have a good friend who's into cocktail alchemy, and I'm sure he'll be able to make this palatable with some combination of bitters, vermouth, or amari. I will happily bequeath it to him. In the meantime, don't buy this bottle. Instead get one of the lovely Belle Meade cask finishes (or hell, regular Belle Meade) and be much happier with your purchase. Cheers.

I’m a fan of finished whiskeys. This one doesn’t disappoint. Berries on the nose and pallet along with cinnamon and the expected caramel.

Wine and bourbon feel. Spicy and a bit peaty, cherry notes. Interesting but not a bottle I would have in my collection

Smooth, sweet, and delicious.

Raspberry juice