Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Sweet in vanilla and caramel initially but quickly turns into a cinnamon burn. The spicy cinnamon and barrel aroma last’s throughout the tasting. This bottle was part of the Ohio selected release #5, Barrel #17-0368, Rickhouse D.

Initial nose of apple vinegar. A bit of mustiness. Mellows out after time so you have to let it breathe . Huge caramel flavors. Very oily in a wonderful way. Gives way to bitter butterscotch. The alcohol comes on a little stronger than I would like even for a barrel proof.

[6.16.2018] This is worth the price of admission. And in this case, that involved my father-in-law waiting unbeknownst to me in line downtown for over an hour to score one of 100 bottles released from the Ohio barrel. Fantastic bourbon. Balanced. Oak flavor is even, tannins/vanillin is more or less subtle, slightly salty and leathery. It opens up reveal the spicy/peppery side the longer it sits. Strong proof but don't water it down and waste it.