Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Bourbon (Spring 2017 Vintage)

Had been hoping to find this bottle for a while. Tracked it down in Colorado and as a fan of BiB bourbons and Redwood Empire, my hopes were high. Savory sawdust vanilla nose, right in my wheelhouse, with summery peach and pear. Summer fruit persists on the tongue with caramel, cherry frosting, oak and a hint of pepper. Savory spearmint finish. Still feel like i’m teasing it out, which is what keeps me coming back to the Redwood bottles.

Real sticky, the legs come slowly and it really hangs a sheet in the glass... Its a bright golden brass in color. Nose is caramel, toast, a very distinct fruity character, or herbal, or something. It's really interesting. Soft on the palate, it starts warming quickly, and the warmth continues to build. It's initially sweet, but only for a moment. It's well balanced throughout, and retains a character of very ripe stone fruit... Prunes more so than cherries. There's a bit of a chocolate note woven in on the long finish, as well as hints of s'mores or dark chocolate malted milk balls. This is complex, interesting, well-balanced, and delicious. It is nuanced without being subtle... This is really good. It's very different than a classic Kentucky bourbon, and that's not a bad thing!

Loads of caramel, cherry syrup, honey and vanilla bundt cake

sugar, canned pear, and dried fruit–almost a bit of fruit cake but not as malty. Cracked pepper opens up the heat