Ctrexman
Reviewed
December 17, 2018 (edited December 7, 2021)
Bought this bottle 8 months ago and waited to open till I completed moving as a reward. Has a lot of praise and top notch ratings to live up to. I really like high proof bourbons so really looking forward to this for long time. My bottle is 131.9 pf. Poured neat, thick glasscoat and legs. Nose is Buffalo Trace butterscotch,dark caramel, candy apple and leather with some dusty spice. Somewhat subdued with less than expected ethanol for proof. Thick mouthfeel leads heated delivery of flavor explosion. Rich caramel, butterscotch, spice, oak and black cherry assault the palate. Its hot and very intense but after a few sips you will adjust. Finish is into next week with caramel oak, spicy cinnamon and fading baking spice. Does not go bitter maintaining near perfect balance of sweetness and wood. Neat at this proof it hits like a sledgehammer yet still something worth experiencing. Drop or two of water releases maple syrup on the nose and singed graham cracker pie crust on the palate. There's even some dark chocolate covered orange sneaking in. You can add water to your preference and unlock flavors at will. High level of complexity and incredible value at around $50. Elite all star bourbon that needs to be savored if you can find it. Not for the meek, this is high test jet fuel for experienced drinkers. not an everyday pour but something you want to own if you are serious about bourbon