EXPLORATION: Smells like dark cola, grain, and caramelized jet fuel—thanks to the righteous 55%. Do you like bourbon and coke? What if I told you that you could have that same sweet satisfaction, without the coke? With this masterwork, you can. Vanilla. Cinnamon. Maraschino. And the biscuity goodness of some kind of baked good? Sounds like a lot, but it’s never sickly sweet; it finds a balance just right. Rich. Robust. Nourishing. And a killer aftertaste. EXHORTATION: Recommended for sipping, or making your friends cocktails they’ll dream about. *for a budget-friendlier option, the standard Russell’s Reserve is about as solid a mixer as you can get.