Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

I had the Russell's 10 Year some time ago, and I was impressed. It took me a while to get around to the SiB, but I finally did... Initially, I got a strong alcohol nose — not surpring, as this is characteristic of higher proof whiskey (in my experience). But it soon gave way to leather and rich butterscotch. Yum! Before the first sip, cherries came rushing forward. The palate is sweet(!) and mildly spicy, with a hint of tart apples. The finish is long with lingering flavors of Sarah Lee Butter poundcake and even some spearmint... and of course, a nice warm hug in the chest. This is what I would consider a superlative bottle. Will definitely buy again and keep on-hand.

The Party Source pick, "Shady's Pick" Barrel No. 21-0117 Warehouse K; Floor 4 Distilled on 12-26-2012 Dumped on 09-20-2022 Bottled on 10-12-2022 Age - 9 years, 8 months, 25 days Open 7 weeks Nose - Hot cinnamon buns, caramel, hint of nutmeg, cherry bubble gum, light minerality, medium oak spice, and medium ethanol. Palate - Honey Nut Cheerios, sweet grain, ginger snaps, brown sugar, medicinal cherry, white pepper, baking spices, and sweet oak. The finish is medium-long with drier and tannic oak, black pepper, dried stone fruits, grainy caramel, toast, and medium ethanol. This is where I dock it 0.25-0.5 points, and it was a cleaner finish earlier in the bottle. Apparently RR picks are really hard to find now, at least in the Ohio/Kentucky area. The prices reflect that in Kentucky, where RR is >$20 more than state controlled liquor. But I walked into the store and saw only 2 of these left, and the manager said they were just released and sold like crazy. I wish I bought both of them despite the price. It's the best RR pick I've had. A good Russell's pick is hard to beat. Maybe because it's the oldest one I've had? Generally they are 8-9 years old, while this is closer to the 10-year age statement of the entry Russell's 10.

Montrose Pour House Selection