ctbeck11
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
December 11, 2021 (edited February 6, 2022)
Nose - caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, buttery cinnamon, cherry, light oak, moderate ethanol burn.
Taste - caramel, banana, cinnamon, vanilla, orange zest, chocolate, dusty corn, cherry, lemon, mild to moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium short with cherry, cinnamon, and chocolate flavors.
I’ve been interested in trying this one for a while. The general opinion seems to be that it’s a solid, value bourbon. Unfortunately it’s not one I can track down easily in my area. The nose is light and fruity. Classic, sweet bourbon aromas like caramel, cherry, and cinnamon can be found. The palate carries the same notes, but some banana, chocolate, and corn make appearances as well.
As expected, this is a nice, mild, easy drinking bourbon. It’s not complex, but there’s nothing really wrong here. At under $25 a bottle, it’s a solid buy. More than that, and it’s up against some stiff competition. If I could find it here, I’d keep a bottle on the shelf for those nights I just want to do some mindless drinking. Thank you to @ContemplativeFox for providing the sample!
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Decent stuff for sure, like BigMike said OF Signature is very similar and Id even give it the edge
@bigwhitemike @ContemplativeFox Agreed. It’s in the same price range as EW BiB, and I think it’s a least one step up in quality. Wish I could find it here. I can see this being a good house sipping bourbon. I’d want something with more punch for mixing, like OGD114. I keep saying I’m going to switch back to that one. It’s going on the shopping list for my next store run.
@ContemplativeFox yep by me it’s been pretty regularly on sale for $20/L both under Old Fo/Bown Forman and Sazerac… retail has crept up a few bucks but has stayed readily available and crazy affordable and I’m not sure why. I think it’s an easy competitor for “house bourbon” vs. only a few others with this combination of price, quality, and proof.
I don't understand how this can be so cheap yet so difficult to find. I got my liter bottle for $20 (including taxes), which was just an amazing deal for any decent bourbon, especially a BiB.