Smoke Wagon Small Batch Straight Bourbon

Easy and smooth, little nutmeg spice, cranberries,

Taste better at the front end than the back.

Heard a lot of buzz surrounding Smoke Wagon so had to see what the craze was about. It’s another MGP sourced bourbon, which the amount of just stellar MGP that’s being put out is impressive to say the least. Tried this one neat in glencairn glass, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Nose - marshmallow, extremely sweet, reminds me of bubbleicious or bazooka bubble gum, orange, hint of mint. Palate - does not taste near as sweet as the nose would suggest. Fruit on the front with orange and a candied apple, maybe even a hint of blueberry, caramel and some marshmallow, rye kicks in mid palate with the spice; cinnamon and pepper. Has a very slight astringency as it goes from sweet to spicy, but it fades quick, didn’t think this drank super hot or spicy for a high rye bourbon, was extremely smooth. Finish - medium to long finish with oak and apple, does have a drying effect in the mouth. The buzz surrounding Smoke Wagon in my opinion is legit. This is maybe one of the more unique MGPs I’ve had with the fruit flavors. This is a very balanced mix of sweet and spicy and some complex flavors jumping out. Highly recommend, would absolutely buy again.

Great bourbon. Very “MGP-ish” with the marshmallow and soft spicey nose. More fruit on palate than the Straight Bourbon and the UC/UF. Medium-long finish that’s round and coats the tongue nicely. Probably my favorite MGP juice along with the UC/UF. I use the rating scale below. Distiller uses a scale of 5 and I use a scale of 10, but I’m sure you’re not too drunk to do the math! 1. Disgusting - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I wouldn't consume by choice. 3. Bad - Multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not bad, but many things I'd rather have. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Well above average. 8. Excellent - In a league of its own. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Reviewing this directly after trying the smoke wagon straight bourbon whiskey for the first time allows for a useful point of reference. Many of the same aromas can be found in the nose, but spicier and richer. This is more Dr pepper than Coca-Cola with Belgian sugar, spiced cocktail cherries, licorice, and angostura bitters. The more I smell this, the more I'm reminded of medicinal cherry cola Flavor wise, this is excellent. Better than I remember it being. I don't remember liking this when I first opened it, but I'm about a quarter into the bottle now and it's really opened up. Lighter, with deep complexity, sweetness, confectionery richness, with just a touch too much bitterness and barrel oak on the finish. My biggest complaint is that the finish is a touch on the short side. I do think it is important to point out that, with the temperature dropping, I am drinking this on the colder side of room temperature