Went out last night with a few high school friends at a local bar. As always, I check the whiskey shelf whenever I go out. An obscure bottled was tucked in the corner and I asked the bartender as to the whiskey bottle. It was Pure Kentucky; read the label and had myself a dram. The nose is dominated by leather mixed with allspice, vanilla and straw. Arrives hot given the high proof. Let it coat and you can detect the bourbon sweetness of brown sugar with the drying faint oak notes. The palate is left oaky and dry with a hint spearmint and sweetness of caramel. Add a teaspoon of water or ice and the sharpness of the alcohol is obviously diminished while the sweeter caramel/brown sugar notes come forward. Recommend with water/ice and is almost a must with the high proof. Somewhat akin to Bookers. A slow sipper and solid bourbon. If you judge a book by its cover (or whiskey by its label) seems one would think it's a bottom self. This ranks up with the better, stronger, oaky bourbons. [88/100][Tasted: 9/17/16 @ Portly Villager]