I was skeptical about this one but thanks to some glowing reviews I thought I would gamble on this blend of young Bardstown Bourbon Co and NY + TN in the mix. At $60 I have high expectations, knowing I can get tried and true Russel’s Reserve or OF 1920 for the same price. Make me a believer you (fellow) bourbon nerds… The nose is warm and rich. Initially it had a mixture of what I think of as Beam and Heaven Hill nutty and fruity/woody qualities. With time there is more brown sugar, gram cracker, big cinnamon and nutmeg as well as orange pee and black walnut. Might be some cardamom in there as well. Oh, and heat. Unadulterated, nose hair-scorching heat. Not that it’s a bad thing, just a little intimidating. Viscous with a nice building heat. Sweet and spicy with supporting wood and nutty notes. Solid heat in the chest. We’re in Knob Creek territory here on heat and brown sugar. As the finish goes on, and on… some chalky notes come about. I enjoy them (however the anti “Flinstones vitamins” crowd could be turned off). The black walnut and orange peel bitters are the last to go. Second sip. More vanilla frosting this go and then an absolute blast of spice. Smooth this is not. Big this is. More complex than KC or Bookers but just as hot. There is a strong Dickel influence in the mid palate and finish but I dig that. For the price I’m really quite pleased and would almost put this on par with Rare Breed 116 for price, complexity and heat. If, however, you hate Dickel then perhaps this won’t be your jam. I really don’t know what I’m supposed to be getting from the NY sourced whiskey but whatever it contributes works in the final blend. As far as the Bardstown Co goes there is no hint of youth to this blend (like I get with Bardstown’s first fusion series) Hats off Pursuit team! Excellent blend and makes me wonder what I could pull off at home.