A last minute weekend purchase from family. With a few pours under my belt and not much left in the bottle means a proper tasting has to occur. N: A gentle oaken vanilla greets the nose. Slowly opening, slowly creeping out, caramel aromas, worn leather, blended pumpernickel and baking spices; allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Creeping out eventually are small wisps of maraschino cherries. P: Gently spicy on arrival. There are no strong or vibrant flavors. A gentle blend of caramel vanilla, lemon oil, oak, black pepper, maple syrup. Balanced where no one flavor dominates. F: The finish is shorter than desired. Wood spice, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon. Slightly drying on the palate when all fades away. O: A very approachable, inoffensive, enjoyable bourbon. It’s not flashy, but it’s rich and balanced. The vanilla, maple syrup with spices are blended well. Comparable to Buffalo Trace or a less spicy Eagle Rare. Shareable, affordable, enjoyable. [88/100][Tasted: 1/5/25]