John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon

Not bad for the mature VA "Blanton's". Flavor profile is in line but the overall finish is much better and a fraction of the cost.

Color: Dark maple. Nose: Chocolate fudge and hot buttered cider meet a lighter dessert note, like crème brûlée or vanilla ice cream. Palate: Leather notes arrive with sprigs of mint and tobacco. Doesn't quite keep the nose's richness, but pleasantly herbal. Finish: A little flat, but nice and warm with cinnamon and barrel character. Diluted: Stronger nose of vanilla blooms along with fragrant wood shavings. Palate gets a little sweeter but maintains a leafy, spicy core. Finish is actually a little nicer with water - stretches it out a little more.