Pure Kentucky XO

Nice complex spice and vanilla flavors and great on a large rock. Very hot at 107 proof yet as you drink it the flavors grow smoother and you can find nut vanilla caramel with enough complexity to fill you palate with rich bourbon tastes. Unfortunately it will be harder to find, since production is limited.

Went out last night with a few high school friends at a local bar. As always, I check the whiskey shelf whenever I go out. An obscure bottled was tucked in the corner and I asked the bartender as to the whiskey bottle. It was Pure Kentucky; read the label and had myself a dram. The nose is dominated by leather mixed with allspice, vanilla and straw. Arrives hot given the high proof. Let it coat and you can detect the bourbon sweetness of brown sugar with the drying faint oak notes. The palate is left oaky and dry with a hint spearmint and sweetness of caramel. Add a teaspoon of water or ice and the sharpness of the alcohol is obviously diminished while the sweeter caramel/brown sugar notes come forward. Recommend with water/ice and is almost a must with the high proof. Somewhat akin to Bookers. A slow sipper and solid bourbon. If you judge a book by its cover (or whiskey by its label) seems one would think it's a bottom self. This ranks up with the better, stronger, oaky bourbons. [88/100][Tasted: 9/17/16 @ Portly Villager]

Another taste treat enjoyed while smoking some bacon. Loved the oak on the nose and palate along with caramel corn notes. I enjoyed this dram neat, and in spite of its high proof, it was surprisingly smooth without a bite. Empty glass notes? Hard to tell - I was smoking bacon after all.