Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Purchased 4/3/18 (Raleigh, N.C. $59.99)

The rare (for me) bourbon that is better on the tongue than the nose. A surprisingly soft, gentle scent of cherry vanilla and wood varnish. But once at the lips, the hefty ABV delivers a sweet, potent, peppery, moist oak candy. Spice comes in late, and leaves quickly. Remarkably well balanced. I don’t think many bourbons benefit from a few drops of water. But this does.