John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon

Some cream soda on the nose? Strong ethanol too. Solid body. Ethanol heat is present throughout.

Nose: Cinnamon, baking spices, some orange and cherry notes, plus a hint of stone fruits, caramel and vanilla. Palate: Rounded with vanilla, toffe, baking spices and a hint of sweet corn. It's hot though, and requires a dollop of water or some ice to tame it. Finish: Medium length, dry and spicy. Nosing the empty glass is a most rewarding part of this whiskey. It smells amazing, on par with Elmer T Lee.

Bottled in 2017. This is close to a perfect bourbon that doesn't get enough love. It failed to sell out at my local store despite a “highly allocated, one per customer” label. This whiskey is incredibly balanced and smooth. It is very smooth with sweet cinnamon and vanilla; yet it is balanced against undeniable dark chocolate, leather, and oak. This is an NAS bourbon, but it tastes like it’s been aged for 8+ years. This whiskey is on par with Four Roses Single Barrel, and absolutely worth the price of admission. Score: * (unforgettably good) How much does a bottle cost: $50-70 How much do I think a bottle is worth: $70

The nose is soft, wafting hints of vanilla, caramel, and rye spice, although most of it gets swept under a coating of dust. The taste is surprisingly sweet. Lots of candied red cherries with subtle hints of vanilla and little bit of oak on the end. Really though, it's a one-note cherry bomb that doesn't take itself too seriously.

An enjoyable find at Blue Pit with a nice flavor profile though a bit too much heat for the proof for my preference