On a trip to Florida and four of us are trying four high proof wheated bourbons: Lanceny barrel proof batch A120 and B520, both bottom third Makers Mark barrel stave program with 6 French mocha staves 109 proof, top third Boone County 7yr SiB 121 proof, top third Pretty stiff competition with very close scoring We all appreciate sharing thoughts. One will say "I get ---" and the replies vary from "Yeah, now that you mention it" or, "No not at all" . Nobody is offended by any opinion. A great way to spend the afternoon with ribs on the smoker. This one is very hot on the nose but there's lots of oaky caramel that I love. The palate is true and it drinks beyond its proof. I find it Balcones hot not the subtle hot of Stagg Jr or ECBP As I try to get past the hot ethanol, a little water helps a lot. 15 minutes of air later and we are taming the beast and it really opens it up. Rich butterscotch comes along as does some citrus. The finish is predominately butterscotch and very long. I like that. This was my number three but others had it lower. Showing my bias, I was hoping for this as number one. It hasn't been open long so it may improve. Several days later and it's still very hot but at about 105-110 it's really enjoyable.