Kings County Peated Bourbon

Batch 22 - found this 'clearanced' for $29.99 (750ml), so figured "why not", realizing this isn't necessarily a 'mixer' if I don't enjoy it neat. Anyway, here we go... Ok, nose is already a huge surprise...I mean, there's some earthy peaty notes, but it is not a smoky nose...a skosh of campfire, but plenty of sweet, maple-like notes, brown sugar, baking spices, caramel, and a splash of vanilla. I mean, I'd be confused if I had this blind, but I certainly wouldn't jump to it being a peated mashbill. Flavor is more smoky, but still, not egregiously so. Its a sweet and smoky ride, but more bourbon-y notes come through...oak, more of the maple and brown sugar, some hay/grassy flavors interspersed, and a bit of spice on the finish. Unique pour Finish is shorter than average...not terribly so, but enough to detract a bit...again, its like the bunny hills on a roller coaster, but the ride is a bit too short. Regardless, exceeded expectations. Would compare this to some Balcones/Garrison Bros products I've had in the past, but better, as the smoky notes compliment, rather than overpower this pour. That being said, I like a good Islay, but if I'm in the mood for an Islay, I'm probably not reaching for a "peated bourbon", so the nuance here is appreciated. Not sure if I'd pay the typical sticker price, but I'll probably back this up if I can get one more for $30, as I doubt I'll run into anything like this again for a while

Perhaps my favourite bourbon