Stellum Bourbon

STELLUM *NOSE: Cinnamon, Youthful Corn, Oak, Burnt Sugar Cookie, Cherry, Orange Peel, and a Little Heat. *NEAT: Coconut, Cherry, Cedar, Cinnamon, and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper. Some Drying Bitter Tannins on the finish with a Blooming Heat in the Chest reminding you it's almost 115 Proof. Pepper Spice, Drying Oak, and Cinnamon Coat and Layer the Palate. *SPLASH: A little water accentuates the Cherry & Orange on the Nose. On the Palate, it Sweetens the Oak Tannins and gives the Coating Finish a little bit of Barnyard Funk. *VERDICT: This has really improved with some time open. When sampling it back in March I got a lot more "greenness" and youth from what I suspect are less than Ready for Primetime MGP Barrels, but time open has allowed the older KY and TN stocks that were blended in to have more of an influence. I no longer regret the purchase and find it quite enjoyable. However, I feel the $55 (and climbing) asking price will probably make this a one off, but I did enjoy it and can recommend it.

This cost me $24 for a pour at whiskey cake by a very aggressive waiter named AJ. Was it worth that much? Nah. But solid bourbon. See their website for tasting notes. It actually matches that super well. It gains a half star after water, holy cow. Super solid. Strong.

The nose on this is tight, however I find that there are some light notes of brown sugar and apple blossom (not quite green apple not quite floral). While less than 100 proof on the first sip this comes out hot (which is why it doesn’t get anything above a 4 for me). The flavor curve is quick but mouth feel is wonderful, not to light but not super oily. There are hints of honey, and grass. The finish is DRY… sucks all of the moisture out of your mouth simply asking you to put more juice in. Overall not quite Barrell level but still a decent pour.

It’s good. Others are as good or better for less, but it’s relative these days